Hyperphantasia: When Imagination Is as Vivid as Real Life
Psychology Today
by Sarune Savickaite Ph.D.February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hyperphantasia is a rare condition where individuals experience vivid mental imagery, often described as "beyond imagination." Unlike the general population who may see faint or blurry images when closing their eyes, hyperphants perceive scenes with cinematic clarity—sharp colors, movement, and detail. This phenomenon extends beyond vision; some report heightened auditory, olfactory, gustatory, or tactile experiences. Although it's a natural variation of human cognition, only 2-3% of adults are believed to have hyperphantasia, which may be more prevalent in children.
The condition is intriguing for its dual nature: it can enhance creativity and
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Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/19/2026