The phenomenon of the dress appearing differently to different people is known as color constancy. This occurs when our brains try to adjust for varying lighting conditions and interpret colors in a way that is consistent with our past experiences. In this case, the dress is actually blue and black, but due to the lighting in the photograph, some people perceive it as white and gold.
As mentioned before, the difference in perception is due to color constancy. Additionally, factors such as age, gender, and even screen brightness can also play a role in how we perceive colors. Some people may have a more sensitive perception of color, while others may be more influenced by their surroundings when interpreting colors.
Yes, the dress is actually blue and black. The company that made the dress confirmed this, and the original photograph of the dress also shows it to be blue and black. However, due to individual differences in perception, it can appear differently to different people.
The dress went viral because it presented a unique and unexpected phenomenon that sparked curiosity and debate. It was also widely shared on social media, which contributed to its popularity. Additionally, the dress's colors were ambiguous enough to cause confusion and differing opinions on its true colors.
This phenomenon highlights the complexity of perception and how it can vary from person to person. It also shows how social media can quickly spread and amplify a seemingly simple image or idea. From a scientific perspective, it provides an interesting case study on color constancy and the limitations of our visual perception.