Can You "Hear" This GIF? Twitter Thud Mystery

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of perceiving a "thud" while viewing a specific GIF circulating on Twitter. Participants explore the sensory and psychological aspects of this experience, including potential connections to acoustic reflexes, synesthesia, and individual differences in perception. The scope includes conceptual exploration and personal anecdotes related to sensory perception.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants report "hearing" a thud in their minds while viewing the GIF, suggesting it may relate to an acoustic reflex or synchronization with heartbeats.
  • Others express skepticism about the auditory perception, noting discrepancies in timing and visual motion, with some indicating they do not experience the thud at all.
  • A participant mentions the jerking motion of the GIF as a possible reason for the perceived thud, while another describes experiencing vertigo during the impact moment.
  • Some participants propose that the experience might resemble a form of synesthesia, although this is contested by others who clarify that not everyone experiences synesthesia.
  • Variability in perception is noted, with some stating that the effect is more pronounced on larger screens, while others find the effect diminished when using screen magnifiers.
  • Several participants express enjoyment of the GIF itself, highlighting its humorous and engaging nature.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach a consensus on the nature of the "thud" experience, with multiple competing views on whether it is a genuine auditory perception, a psychological effect, or a result of visual motion. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the underlying mechanisms and individual differences in perception.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the subjective nature of sensory experiences, potential dependence on individual psychological states, and the influence of screen size on perception, which are not fully explored or resolved in the discussion.

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This is going around Twitter. I must admit. I can "hear" a thud. Not really with my ears, but in my mind. Some have suggested it's an acoustic reflex or the gif matches your heart beat.

lJ02RSU.gif
 

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Greg Bernhardt said:
"hear" a thud. Not really with my ears, but in my mind. Some have suggested it's an acoustic reflex or the gif matches your heart beat.
Not me --- there's something "off" with the timing --- seems to move side-ways, as well.
 
The whole picture jerks when the middle tower hits the ground. I think that is probably why some people "hear" a thud. I don't but I can see how it could happen.
 
I know that it isn't really sound, but yes I know what you are talking about. Maybe it is something like synesthesia that everyone has?
 
I don't hear anything. ? Do I expect to feel/hear something in conjunction with the video, yes, but don't actually.
 
Algr said:
I know that it isn't really sound, but yes I know what you are talking about. Maybe it is something like synesthesia that everyone has?
No, that would not be synesthesia, and not many people have synesthesia. My oldest daughter has it, she see letters as colors.
 
phinds said:
The whole picture jerks when the middle tower hits the ground. I think that is probably why some people "hear" a thud. I don't but I can see how it could happen.
I get a touch of vertigo when the picture jerks sideways at "impact." (Cute video though!)
 
My eardum vibrates a bit watching it. I don't know if Id call it "hearing it" though. My hearing is all jacked up. Whenever I hit a snare drum my ears will echo and rattle. Kinda cool gif.
 
Definitely I feel some kind of "thud" effect. Interesting.
 
  • #10
Evo said:
No, that would not be synesthesia, and not many people have synesthesia. My oldest daughter has it, she see letters as colors.

I was thinking more like the correctly functioning version of what breaks down when you have synesthesia. Perhaps your subconscious is bracing yourself so that you don't get overwhelmed by the sensation that ought to happen when a tower plays jump rope. When the expected sensation doesn't come, you become consciously aware of the bracing, and hear it as a sort of anti-sound.
 
  • #11
On some screens I hear it, on others I don't. Large screens seem to show a larger effect.
 
  • #12
Vanadium 50 said:
On some screens I hear it, on others I don't. Large screens seem to show a larger effect.
Interesting. When I use Windows magnifier to make it much bigger, the effect, for me at least, is actually reduced instead of enhanced.
 
  • #13
Greg Bernhardt said:
This is going around Twitter. I must admit. I can "hear" a thud. Not really with my ears, but in my mind. Some have suggested it's an acoustic reflex or the gif matches your heart beat.

View attachment 216210
No wonder the power towers are in such good shape ;).
 
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  • #14
Greg Bernhardt said:
This is going around Twitter. I must admit. I can "hear" a thud. Not really with my ears, but in my mind. Some have suggested it's an acoustic reflex or the gif matches your heart beat.

View attachment 216210

I can hear it and feel it!
 
  • #15
Even I felt the thud :D
 
  • #16
I've seen this before. Yup. I hear it.

Interestingly, I tuned into this thread and happened to immediately start reading the text of the OP without casting my eyes on the gif.
I only caught the motion out of the corner of my eye, and yet it still thumped immediately, drawing my attention.

Also, I happen to think it is one of the most hilariously brilliant gifs the internet has ever produced.
 

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