In this digital age where people engage in digital puzzles and online brain teasers all over the world, a new phenomenon has emerged that has certainly captured the attention of the masses. This new phenomenon involves the “Odd Number 88” visual puzzle which has gone viral on social media and dares the audience to find a hidden number in under five seconds. Such a simple task seems to be. Until you actually attempt it.
The Reason Why Optical Illusions Interest Us
Scientists and the everyday puzzle enthusiasts have been interested in optical illusions for a great length of time. When these puzzles outsmart the brain and have it perceive patterns that are hidden or not easily visible, they demonstrate the workings of the human brain in a fascinating and complex manner. When a person first looks at an optical illusion, he or she thinks it is a simple and straightforward puzzle. In order to actually solve it, the person needs to focus sharper and have an eye for finer details.
The Challenge defined
This visual puzzle contains an image that is filled with the number “88” repetitively and monotously arranged in rows to form some kind of structure. Out of all these numbers, one is slightly different. Among the sequence is an odd one out hidden which is camouflaged to merge with the structure. Recognition of the misshaped number is the “primary” five second test of “observation.” This is a game of ultimate observation speed.
A Balance of Focus and Concentration
Research indicates that the participants in these types of exercises do them for fun and entertainment. This is in fact, and scientifically to be true, wrong. These exercises actually aid in enhancing one’s focus, concentration and even short term memory retention. Unlike routine tasks or certain games, puzzles provide a unique mental workout, using both their heads and their hands, which most often is the case when the attention is needing to complete a chore.
Social Media’s Competitive Edge
As to what can be observed on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), the challenge seems to have created some good-natured contests. Users boast, and take screenshots to support their claims, proudly sharing their scores or sheepishly admitting how long it took their eagle eyes to find the odd number. The five-second rule adds thrill to the game and makes it more enjoyable and more likely to be shared.
Common Difficulties
Failing on the first attempt is a common issue for many and it is important to clarify that it does not stem from a lack of cognitive capability. It is easy for the eye to overlook recurring patterns, and in this case, it is the eye testing focus to see a subtle change, like a number that is slightly different from the others, that is most useful. The same thinking can be applied to why ‘spot the difference’ puzzles and illusions have remained so popular for recreational use.
Optical illusion Answer
Despite the fact that the “Odd Number 88” puzzle is only one of an infinite number of optical illusions, the puzzle’s increasing popularity tells us more and more people are warming up to the idea of short mental tasks that are not only entertaining but also give a great feeling of accomplishment. More so, for a great number of people ‘spotting’ the number is a secondary goal; they are more interested in finding out how far they can push themselves, especially in challenging situations.