A recent study reveals a surprisingly simple brain mechanism that may act like a dial to separate imagination from reality. Published in Neuron, the research highlights how the brain differentiates what we imagine from what we actually perceive—a finding with meaningful implications for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, where this boundary can blur.
Whether daydreaming on a busy Bangkok bus or concentrating on a work presentation, we constantly process both real-world input and inner images. For Thai audiences, this research speaks to a familiar question: how does the brain prevent confusion between the sound of a bustling street and imagined memories of celebrations? The answer appears to lie in the strength of signals in the fusiform gyrus, a region essential for recognizing faces and objects.
The study, led by a neuroscientist from University College London, shows that real and imagined visuals activate the fusiform gyrus. The key difference is signal strength, not the source. When we perceive something “for real,” activity in this region crosses a threshold. If the activity stays below that level, the brain tends to categorize the experience as imagination. The lead researcher notes that fusiform activity predicted whether people believed an image was real, regardless of whether it was seen or imagined.
Researchers tested 26 volunteers who searched for subtle diagonal lines within visual noise, such as TV static, while in an MRI scanner. Some lines appeared; others were only imagined. Participants reported whether they saw lines and rated the vividness of their mental images.
Crucially, when participants imagined the lines they expected to see, they were more likely to report seeing real lines even when none were present. This vivid imagination effect echoes beliefs and stories common in Thai culture about spirits and omens, where belief can influence perception.
Brain scans showed that imagination alone does not usually cross the reality threshold. When imagination does cross it—by repetition, chance, or individual susceptibility—the boundary between fiction and fact can blur. This helps explain certain experiences like hallucinations or false memories.
The anterior insula, another brain area involved in decision-making and self-awareness, also showed heightened activity as fusiform activity rose. Researchers suggest the anterior insula could act as a reader that interprets the fusiform’s signal, though the exact connections require further study.
The findings matter for mental health, a priority in Thailand and worldwide. Clinicians note that disorders such as schizophrenia involve challenges in distinguishing imagination from reality. A neuroscientist not involved in the study called the results a clear, simple explanation for reality monitoring and a foundation for understanding complex experiences like hallucinations.
Limitations include that the visual tasks used simple, artificial stimuli. Future work will explore richer stimuli—faces, objects, and sounds—closer to everyday life and cultural contexts such as Thai storytelling and meditation practices. The researchers aim to develop paradigms that incorporate more complex stimuli and investigate whether brain stimulation could alter perception thresholds.
For Thai readers, the implications span medicine to culture. In a society where dreams, beliefs, and daily life intertwine, a biological “reality dial” provides a modern lens for age-old questions. Potential practical applications include improved diagnosis and treatment for psychosis and a deeper understanding of how guided meditation and mindfulness train the mind to recognize the boundary between thought and experience.
Looking ahead, scientists hope to test these mechanisms in more natural tasks and clinical populations. Local Thai medical centers and universities may soon join international efforts to map brain circuits involved in reality monitoring. This work could eventually lead to new therapies for psychosis or dementia, important concerns as Thailand’s population ages.
There are also educational implications. Teachers can help students distinguish fantasy from reality by encouraging observation, critical thinking, and mindfulness—echoing Thai values of discernment and awareness. Families concerned about screen time can use these findings to discuss the power—and limits—of imagination.
Thai readers are encouraged to cultivate mindful awareness. When vivid images arise, pause, breathe, and look for tangible signs. The brain’s complexity can blur inside and outside experiences, but understanding this natural mechanism can strengthen mental resilience and empathy for those who struggle to tell imagination from reality.
For more information, the study is discussed in coverage by science outlets and is published in Neuron.