Staring Into Someone’s Eyes For 10 Minutes Is Like Tripping, Without Drugs, Says Research

Staring Into Someone's Eyes For Seconds: Weird Things Happen

Did you know that staring into someone’s eyes for 10 seconds or more can affect our consciousness and cause hallucinations? Let’s learn more about it!

This is a recent discovery made by vision researcher Giovanni Caputo from the University of Urbino in Italy.

Giovanni is not new to this field of research, in early 2015 he recruited 50 volunteers and got them to sit in a dimly lit room and stare at their reflections in a mirror for 10 minutes. Many of the volunteers started to experience altered states of consciousness in less than 1 minute.

Related: A Glass Of Red Wine Can Replace An Hour Of Exercising According To New Study

Do, Does Staring Into Someone’s Eyes Make You Hallucinate?

According to the feedback received their faces started to change shape and warp, creating the appearance of monsters, animals, and in some cases even deceased family members; this phenomenon has been named the “strange-face illusion.” The results of this experiment seem to intensify when Giovanni swapped the mirror for another person.  

In his most recent experiment, Caputo paired up 40 young adults. They were sat in chairs in a dimly lit room and placed one meter apart. The lighting was set up so they were able to pick up facial features, but the color perception was diminished.

Related: New Study Reveals Fasting Upto 72 Hours Can Reboot The Entire Immune System

The groups were split up into 2, with half of the pairs sat back to back, this was done to make sure any effects were not as a  result of expectation. The other group sat face to face opposite one another, gazing into each other’s eyes. The subjects were not told the true nature of the study and that it would be a meditative experience.

After they had stared at each other for 10 minutes, they were asked to fill out a questionnaire explaining what they had experienced, this revealed some really interesting results.

According to the British Psychological Society, the participants that faced each other experienced a higher level of attenuated color intensity than those who did not, with noises seeming more intense.

There was also a feeling that time slowed down and they felt spaced out. Also, just under 90% said their partner’s face appeared deformed, 75% observed monstrous beings, and 15% said they saw relative’s faces emerge onto their partner’s face.

And Why Does Staring Make You Hallucinate?

Caputo says these sensations indicate symptoms of dissociation.

This is the term used to describe a disconnection with reality. He also found that dissociation correlated with a facial deformity, but could not explain the hallucinations that caused subjects to see strange faces.

Related: Meditation and Yoga Can “Reverse” DNA Reactions Which Cause Stress, New Study Suggests

The hypothesis is these hallucinations, which have been named “strange-face apparitions,” may be a result of returning to reality after entering the dissociative state aroused by the lack of sensory stimulation.

But that is currently only a theory and seems to contrast with another possible explanation Caputo has put forward.

When staring at a single point for an extended period of time, the features in the periphery start to disappear, this is known as “Troxler Fading”. However, this would not explain having strange things appear and we would also expect facial features to gradually disappear.

Scientific American added, when visual information is missing, the brain fills in the gaps based on prior experience or expectation. There is still a lot that is unknown about this interesting phenomenon, and Caputo agrees that his work is still in its infancy.

So what causes these hallucinations when staring into someone’s eyes is still unknown and while it would be interesting to discover, maybe there are some things that modern science just cannot explain. Much love, Luke.

Have you tried staring deeply into someone’s eyes? Tell us if you experience any weird things in the comments below!


Originally appeared on: TRUTH THEORY
Staring Into Someone’s Eyes for 10 minutes causes hallucination
Staring Into Someone’s Eyes For 10 Minutes: Weird Things Happen
Staring Someone’s Eyes  Make Hallucinate Pin
does staring into someone’s eyes for 10 minutes make you hallucinate?
why does staring make you hallucinate
Ads

— About the Author —

Responses

  1. Keka Banerjee Avatar
    Keka Banerjee

    ”A beautiful woman delight the eye,a wise woman by understanding a pure one the ‘Soul’.[Minna Andriana.]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *



Up Next

Women In Science: 7 Famous Female Scientists Who Redefine History

Famous Female Scientists Who Redefine History

Throughout history, women have been overshadowed by men. But behind the breakthroughs and innovations, there is a group of incredible and famous female scientists that has left their mark on the scientific world.

When was the last time you were asked to name a great scientist? Chances are, the likes of Isaac Newton or Albert Einstein popped into your head and for good reason — they made groundbreaking discoveries.

But if you’re like most people, men are probably all that comes to mind when thinking of great scientists. That’s because many famous women scientists have been left o



Up Next

Neuro-Ninja Training: 10 Indoor Brain Strengthening Games For A Sharp Mind

Powerful Brain Strengthening Games For A Sharp Mind

Do you want to exercise your brain in the most fun, interesting, and most importantly, enjoyable way possible? Then you have come to the right place! Keeping your mind sharp and your brain alert is one of the most powerful things you can do. That’s why, we have compiled a list of brain strengthening games for you to try.

These brain strengthening games will boost your brain, keep you entertained and also increase your intellect. No more of those boring games to improve memory and concentration, because these are designed to be fun and exciting.

So, ready to explore how you can train your brain with games? Le



Up Next

Music And Plant Growth: Exploring The Magical Effect Of Music On Plant Growth

Science Behind the Effect of Music on Plant Growth

Music lies at the heart of nature. Whether it’s the chirping of birds, the trickle of water, or the gush of wind. No wonder plants have a penchant for music! Yup, you heard that right! Plants not only enjoy music but it even helps them grow. Let’s take a look at the effect of music on plant growth.

Music may soothe that savage beast, but it can also make



Up Next

How Do Some People ‘Hear’ Colors And ‘See’ Sounds? — A Look Into Synesthesia

What Is Synesthesia? Interesting Types Of Synesthesia?

What does the color red sound like? Only those with the power of synesthesia can truly “hear” it. It is a secret power that about 4% of people have – their senses make unexpected connections.

Researchers are now diving into this new world to understand more about these sensory experiences where one is hearing colors and seeing sounds. So let’s dive in and learn what is synesthesia actually.

What Is Synesthesia?



Up Next

The Eternalism Philosophy Of Time: Is Our Future Already Fixed?

Eternalism Philosophy Of Time: Is Future Fixed? Five Criticisms

Are you intrigued by the nature of time and reality? If so, the concept of eternalism philosophy may fascinate you. This controversial view of time challenges our traditional understanding of past, present, and future, and offers a new perspective on the nature of reality.

The philosophy of time and space

What is time? Time is a concept that has fascinated and perplexed humans for centuries. We experience time every day, yet it remains an elusive and mysterious concept. 

Time seems simple at first glance but raises complex questions. Philosophers have grappled with the nature of time for centuries, and there are



Up Next

The Dark Side Of AI: Ethical Issues Of Artificial Intelligence And Robotics

Seven Ethical Issues Of Artificial Intelligence And Robotics

Ever wondered if AI will takeover human civilization? As artificial intelligence and robotics continue to advance, there are growing ethical concerns that must be addressed. Let us explore the potential risks and ethical issues of artificial intelligence and robotics related to their development and use.

The rise of AI: Artificial intelligence and ethics

Artificial intelligence and robotics are advancing at an incredible rate. While these technologies have the potential to transform our lives for the better, they also raise serious ethical issues that need to be addressed. 

Responsibility an



Up Next

25+ Best Plants To Detox Your Home: Purifying Your Living Space With Nature’s Greenery

25+ Best Plants To Detox Your Home

Nature heals both body and mind and bringing nature indoors can reenergize your soul and purify your living space. So what are the best plants to detox your home?

In today’s fast-paced and urbanized world, our homes often become a sanctuary from the outside environment. However, it is surprising to know that indoor air pollution can sometimes be more hazardous than outdoor pollution.

Household products, synthetic materials, and even certain cleaning agents can release harmful toxins into the air we breathe. Fortunately, nature provides us with a simple and effective solution: