Can You "Hear" This GIF? Twitter Thud Mystery

  • Thread starter Thread starter Greg Bernhardt
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers around the phenomenon of perceiving a "thud" when viewing a specific GIF circulating on Twitter. Participants describe experiencing this sensation not through auditory means but as a mental response, with some attributing it to an acoustic reflex or a subconscious connection to the GIF's motion. The discussion highlights individual differences in perception, with some viewers feeling a physical response, while others do not experience the thud at all. The GIF's impact appears to vary based on screen size and viewing conditions, suggesting a complex interplay between visual stimuli and sensory perception.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of visual perception and sensory processing
  • Familiarity with the concept of acoustic reflex
  • Basic knowledge of synesthesia and its characteristics
  • Awareness of how screen size can affect visual experiences
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanisms of acoustic reflex and its psychological implications
  • Explore the phenomenon of synesthesia and its various forms
  • Investigate how visual stimuli can influence sensory perception
  • Examine the effects of screen size and resolution on visual experiences
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for psychologists, neuroscientists, and anyone interested in the intersection of visual media and sensory perception, particularly those exploring how digital content can evoke unexpected sensory responses.

Messages
19,865
Reaction score
10,851
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
 

Attachments

  • lJ02RSU.gif
    lJ02RSU.gif
    231.4 KB · Views: 1,602
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: I like Serena and PeroK
Physics news on Phys.org
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 ;).
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: OCR
  • #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.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
7K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
38
Views
5K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
5K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
4K