A new type of optical reasoning has captured the interest of puzzles and internet challenges enthusiasts globally. The viral challenge seems simple at first glance when one is asked to find the number 791 amidst a stack of 761s. It seems easy, but the challenge is proving to be an extensive test of focus and observation to many users online.
Why This Challenge Works
For many users, the reason behind the illusion rests at the heart of the digital “7” and “9” and “6” gaffs. These numbers, when closely positioned and woven in a sequence, can easily boggle the eye, and thus the brain, when set in the position of a gaffer. This is the reason for the frustration and challenge to focus properly to isolate the 791, let alone 10 seconds of the time barrier set, by many users to be a challenge.
The Rise of Visual Brainteasers
Optical illusions and brain teasers in this form have, in fact, been around for a long time. However, in recent years, and particularly in their application to social media, they have become the focus of much attention as a leisure activity. These types of challenges serve to entertain the user and are also thought to help in the development of various mental skills. Such puzzles, which need need a great deal of attention, are said to increase various mental attributes such as focus, mental speed and memory.
A test on focus and reaction speed along with mental attributes, revealed that for most users, they spent and spent much more time than they had expected in their challenge to single out the odd number. As some people note, there are those who take a few seconds, and others who take a few minutes to look at and complete the puzzle before giving up, which, to some, is the real fun in the challenge: the satisfaction that comes once the number 791 is located.
Global Participation
There is something fascinating about how the puzzle touches and elicits responses from people across different backgrounds and social strata. Ranging from students on break, to professionals who take a diversion at work, the puzzle is used as central to disruption across age groups. Online platforms facilitating time sharing, technique talk, and even offer help on problem areas showcases community of practice. This is evidence how small visual tests can trigger large scale digital conversations.
Beyond Just a Game
Gertainly, mental exercises such as this might not be as rigorous, but professionals in the field contend that they serve a purpose in the need to relieve stress. Focusing on mundane tasks and finding order in chaos is a good mental distraction from bigger stressors. Therefore, finding the 791 from the 761, serves as a short mental exercise.
Optical illusion Answer
The visual puzzle is a good example of how an element of design from simply numbers can pose and serve as a central puzzle globally. Be it seconds, or minutes, time serves as a good reminder of the need for restraint, and attention to detail. The next time you scroll past one of these puzzles, you may want to give it a try. Your brain will thank you for it.