Three Faces in Two Girls: Can You Spot the Hidden Person in This Photo?
Creepy Optical Illusion Hides a Third Face – Can You Spot It?
[Image: Two girls sitting in a field, with a faint outline hinting at a hidden face.]
From viral debates like “The Dress” to color-shifting fire trucks, optical illusions continue to mystify the internet. Now, a new brain teaser shared by biologist and BBC presenter Dr. Dean Jackson has TikTok users both fascinated and spooked. The image appears to show two girls in a grassy field, but there’s a chilling twist: a third face lurks in the scene, visible only to about 10% of viewers at normal phone distance.
The Viral Mystery
Dr. Jackson’s TikTok video reveals that stepping back from the image dramatically increases the chances of spotting the hidden figure. “Prop your phone up, turn your back, walk five paces away, and 90% of people will see the face,” he explains. Move even farther, and 95% notice it. The illusion relies on how our brains process visual information—blurring details at a distance makes the hidden face emerge.
Terrified Reactions
Many viewers described the moment the face appeared as a jump-scare. Comments flooded in: “It scared the living hell out of me,” one user wrote. Others compared the face to actor Michael Fassbender or noted it seemed to gaze upward rather than directly forward. Some found success by tilting their phone or removing glasses, while a few still struggled: “What face? I see nothing!”
[Image: Zoomed-in section of the photo highlighting the hidden face’s location.]
The Science Behind the Spook
The illusion taps into pareidolia—a psychological phenomenon where humans perceive familiar shapes, like faces, in random patterns. Evolution wired our brains to prioritize face detection for social and survival reasons, often leading to “false positives.” Professor Kevin Brooks explains, “We evolved to classify anything vaguely face-like as a face—it’s safer to assume a threat exists than miss one.”
[Image: Example of pareidolia, like a “face” in clouds or rock formations.]
Why Distance Helps
When viewed up close, the brain processes fine details, masking the hidden face. Stepping back simplifies the visual data, allowing pareidolia to kick in. This explains why squinting, moving your phone, or poor eyesight can reveal the figure. While unsettling, it’s a natural brain quirk—not paranormal activity.
Can’t Unsee It
For those who spot the face, it’s impossible to ignore. As one user admitted, “Once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it—even up close.” Others joked about needing “therapy” after the surprise.
[Image: TikTok comment examples reacting to the illusion with shock.]
Whether you see the hidden face instantly or not, this illusion highlights how our brains filter reality—sometimes tricking us in clever (and creepy) ways.
Final Tip: If you’re still stuck, try dimming your screen brightness or blurring your eyes slightly. The mysterious face might just materialize!
Did you spot it? Let us know—if you dare.
