There’s a special kind of person who seems to delight in rattling others’ minds—and you can spot them by the optical illusions they love to share. Even though I usually avoid these dizzying brain teasers, I can’t help but get pulled back for a second, sometimes even a third look. The latest culprit? A viral photo recently retweeted by Joe Rogan that’s been chilling viewers and sparking whispers of unease across the internet.
This haunting image has made a comeback, resurfacing once again after first taking Twitter by storm last August. Originally posted by Josie Glabach, it’s since racked up over 22 million views. Her simple yet intriguing advice? “Nearsighted folks: take off your glasses, hold your phone farther away, and focus on the blonde girl.”
For those who might not know, nearsightedness—or shortsightedness—is when things up close come into sharp focus, but anything farther away blurs into a haze. If you’ve ever wondered what that feels like, the Mayo Clinic sums it up perfectly: “close objects look clear but far objects look blurry.” As someone who’s shortsighted myself, I quickly caught on once I followed the simple instructions. The image shows two kids—a blonde and a brunette—seated on what looks like a bench or low wall, framed by lush greenery. At first glance, it seems completely harmless. But as you start to focus, the illusion’s real magic slowly creeps in, twisting your perception in the most unexpected way.
For those with normal vision, the woman’s face seems hidden, almost camouflaged among the children. But if you’re nearsighted, simply removing your glasses or squinting can reveal it—and if your eyesight is perfect, moving closer to the screen might do the trick. The woman’s face is masterfully woven into the blonde child’s features: her eyes emerge as shadows beneath the girl’s neck and within the strands of her hair, her nose takes shape along the bottom right corner of the blonde locks, and her mouth is subtly traced by a crease in the child’s jumper. It’s an eerie and unsettling image, no question—but also a brilliant reminder of how our brains can be fooled by clever use of perspective and shadow. Whether you love or loathe optical illusions, there’s no denying the strange mix of unease and fascination they provoke—depending entirely on how you choose to see them.
So next time you come across a photo like this, keep in mind: what you see at first glance might only be the surface. For some, these optical puzzles are a fun challenge; for others, they serve as a subtle reminder of just how easily our perceptions can be twisted and deceived.
