Optical illusions have intrigued people for a long time because they play with our perceptions and the internet is now abuzz over a new viral illusion for another reason.
Instead of simply entertaining the eye, this image will tell you something about the depths of your personality depending on what you see at first.
Recently, the illusion has become more popular thanks to social media platforms such as TikTok, with people all over the internet desperate to learn about hidden traits about themselves.

Mia Yilin, the TikTok creator behind the trend, says the illusion reveals insight into emotional tendencies and life approaches.
On first glance, the image is simple, but there is two readings for it. A single, simple image is shown to viewers, who are able to either see a fish or a cloud — and what they see is supposed to be a glimpse into the subconscious.
Your core personality elements are believed to be reflected in what you notice first.
It’s a “life is short” mentality for those that first notice the fish. They are made up of people who are in a hurry to make the most of the day, and of every opportunity that presents itself.

In fact, this proactive view tends to also include overthinking and worrying about the ‘what if’s’ of the unknown future.
For those that see the fish, they are those that live a fast pace life, working for productivity and achievement.
Although highly driven, they may have difficulty escaping the pressure of time and fear of missing out on experiences, which demands all of these things.
However, those who encounter the cloud first have a different emotional makeup, the study reports.
Though these people appear to be so brave and strong, they are very sensitive. Often, they’re driven by high standards and ambitious goals, but they’re also very easily influenced by words and actions of others.

They’re also thought to have a natural charisma that pulls people in.
Outwardly, they are confident, but inner sensitivity tends to make them cautious but determined in how they live. Their duality gives them emotional attunement, and the resilience.
Optical illusions like this one play on the interpretative processes of the brain because perception isn’t all in the visual.
Gaps are filled in by the mind, and assumptions are made by what we know, and in turn, can expose subconscious likes and dislikes.
For years, ambiguous images have been used to learn more about the human psyche with the Rorschach inkblot test being a fine example.

Though controversial as a means by which to understand the inner self, these methods have always intrigued people as a means of becoming more scientifically valid.
What makes this new optical illusion so alluring is its simplicity and its relatability. Its promise to reveal things unseen, to operate on hidden truths, engages viewers, awakening debates over the veracity of such interpretations.
Some are amazed at how the descriptions match up with their personality, some still aren’t so sure.
Tiktok user commented saying that the test was ‘spot on’ and that they were an ‘extroverted introvert’ after seeing the fish.
One person told me they saw the cloud and it matched their ambitious, but also sensitive, nature. These reactions show how appealing selfdiscovery and curiosity are around the world.

It might seem implausible that the short life of a first impression of an image could determine personality traits.
But this viral illusion has filled millions with thoughts and conversations about the complexities of human behaviour.
What is popular with the illusion is its show of how people see life through their own lens.
The optical illusion has drawn global attention whether it’s a fish or a cloud because the simplest visuals can sometimes teach the most profound insights.