Can You "Hear" This GIF? Twitter Thud Mystery

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The discussion centers around a viral gif that evokes a sensation of "hearing" a thud, despite it being a visual experience. Participants describe various interpretations of this phenomenon, suggesting it may relate to acoustic reflexes or subconscious responses to visual stimuli. Some express that they can feel a thud or vibration, while others note a disconnect between expected auditory sensations and their actual experience. The gif's impact seems to vary depending on screen size, with larger displays enhancing the effect for some. A few contributors mention personal experiences with synesthesia, clarifying that the sensation described is not actually synesthesia but rather a heightened awareness of the visual impact. Overall, the gif is praised for its humor and creativity, with many finding it engaging and memorable.
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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.

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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.

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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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