A new study advances our understanding of how the brain tells apart what we imagine from what we actually see. The research, conducted by a team at University College London and published in Neuron, identifies the fusiform gyrus as a key player in this reality-imagination divide. The findings carry relevance for mental health, technologies, and our broader grasp of perception.
Thai readers have long grappled with distinguishing fact from fiction, from traditional notions of illusion to modern concerns about digital misrepresentation. This study translates those ancient questions into measurable biology, showing how certain brain processes can blur the line between real experiences and vivid internal imagery. For Thailand’s growing population affected by conditions such as schizophrenia, the work offers new avenues for diagnosis, understanding, and potential intervention.
The experiment involved 26 participants who viewed simple visual patterns embedded in noise. They were instructed to detect faint targets while also imagining specific patterns. Some imagined images matched what appeared on screen, others did not. In about half of the trials, there was no real pattern at all. The key observation: when the fusiform gyrus activated strongly—whether due to actual perception or vivid imagination—participants were more prone to misattributing internal images to real stimuli.
A lead researcher explained that imagining an object with high vividness can trigger brain activity similar to actually seeing it. This overlap helps explain why some people experience their inner images as real. The anterior insula, a region involved in decision-making and self-monitoring, also works with the fusiform gyrus to assess whether an experience originates inside the mind or from the external world.
According to researchers, the strength of sensory signals in the brain’s mid-level visual areas determines whether an experience is categorized as real or imagined. This aligns with computational models of how the brain tests reality. Supporting this, recent neuroscience work emphasizes that failures in sensory monitoring can relate to hallucinations or delusions, offering a common thread across studies.
The Thai context adds urgency. Psychiatric experts in Bangkok note that understanding the biology behind delusions and hallucinations can inform public awareness and early intervention strategies. Thailand faces rising mental health costs and persistent stigma, with data suggesting many people live with psychotic disorders. The ability to monitor the boundary between internal and external realities could improve screening and shorten delays in seeking care.
In the study, self-rated vividness of mental imagery predicted misattribution risk. Brain scans showed that high fusiform activity, whether from real perception or internal imagery, drove confusions. Under typical conditions, perception carries stronger signals than imagination; when this gradient weakens, reality-testing becomes less reliable.
A Thai neuropsychologist not involved in the study remarked that the findings echo clinical observations: patients with severe hallucinations often describe experiences as intensely real, matching the study’s emphasis on sensory-region activation.
Global data reinforce the human impact of vivid visual hallucinations in schizophrenia and related conditions. These experiences can lead to social withdrawal and distress for families. In Thailand, where traditional and medical perspectives intersect, clear, science-based explanations are crucial to support patients and families and reduce stigma.
The research underscores the brain’s metacognitive capacity—our ability to reflect on our own thoughts. The anterior insula’s role suggests that deciding what is real involves both raw sensory data and cognitive evaluation. For educators and clinicians in Thailand, linking mindful awareness practices with neuroscience could offer culturally resonant approaches to patient care and public education.
Beyond health, the research has implications for technology, including virtual reality. As immersive tools become more common in schools, museums, and healthcare, understanding when imagination begins to feel real can guide safer, more effective designs—particularly for young users and individuals with mental health vulnerabilities.
The study also hints at a broader “perceptual reality monitoring system” in the brain, with potential implications for artificial intelligence and psychiatric research. For Thailand’s evolving mental health landscape, these insights could support the development of digital screening tools and early-intervention resources that are culturally appropriate and accessible.
However, experts caution that larger and more diverse studies are needed, including in Thailand, to account for cultural and linguistic factors that shape perception and diagnosis. A Bangkok-based psychiatrist emphasized the importance of context: public health messaging must respect cultural attitudes toward mental illness while communicating scientific findings clearly.
Looking ahead, researchers are exploring therapies that might strengthen reality-monitoring abilities, such as cognitive training, mindfulness, or non-invasive brain stimulation. Data from Southeast Asia highlight the need for interventions that are effective and culturally sensitive as urban stress and digital overload rise.
For Thai readers, the takeaway is both hopeful and practical. The study clarifies why vivid imagination can feel overpowering and sometimes indistinguishable from reality. This knowledge can help families and clinicians approach symptoms with empathy and timely intervention. Policymakers and educators can consider integrating neuroscience with local mental health campaigns, school programs, and community outreach.
If you or someone you know experiences blurred lines between imagination and reality—such as vivid daydreams or apparent hallucinations—seek professional evaluation. Public health campaigns that reduce stigma and provide accessible information in Thai contexts will help bridge science and everyday life. As discoveries emerge, embracing them within Thailand’s traditions of community support and introspection will be essential.
Further reading is available in Neuron’s original article on distinguishing imagination from reality. Coverage by independent science outlets summarizes the findings. Thai public health resources emphasize mental health awareness and access to care, while global organizations provide broader context on schizophrenia and related conditions.