Can You Spot Faces in These Everyday Objects?
Updated: Aug. 28, 2019To some people, these images will look pretty boring. To others, they will be looking right back.
Why we see human faces in inanimate objects
Have you ever seen a dog in the clouds? What about a face in this wall in Italy? The reason these fun but odd occurrences happen is because of pareidolia. This psychological phenomenon can cause people to see specific, meaningful shapes in random or vague images. It’s also how psychologists draw conclusions from the controversial Rorschach inkblot tests. Studies suggest that people who are more religious or believe in the paranormal and those who are neurotic or have negative moods are more prone to experiencing pareidolia. Are you one of them?
Fire hydrant… or a new Muppet character?
With the humorous expression on its “face,” this old fire hydrant could easily befriend Kermit the Frog or Big Bird. After all, they all have the same big bugging eyes. Now, can you spot the differences in these 10 photos?
Two-faced mountains
Landscapes in the American southwest are riddled with mountainous rock structures like this one in Nevada’s Valley of Fire. If you look closely, you can see one (or more!) faces residing in their crevices.
The saddest nut you’ll ever see
At first glance, it’s hard to tell what the heck is in this picture—other than an extremely sad face. This is actually half of a chestnut, and it apparently did not like being cut up one bit. See if you can spot what’s wrong with these altered photos. More than 1 in 3 people can’t.
Would you live in this screaming house?
Spectacular ocean views, a clear sky, blossoming flowers, why wouldn’t anyone want to live on this Greek island? Oh yeah, the house looks like it saw a ghost.
You’ll be floored by this face
We sure wouldn’t want to step on a floor making this surprised face. Don’t miss these other cool photos that will make you look twice.
The shocked furnace
Some people look at this image and see an old piece of machinery that has seen better days—but you may see something else. Can you tell what’s going through that furnace’s mind?
Don’t worry—bee happy
Without context, you may think this photo is of a papier-mâché smiling mask or a mythical woodland creature with a sense of humor. It’s actually a red hornet nest, which is certainly nothing to smile about.
Good ol’ Rusty
Is this just ugly rust ruining a once shiny new ship, or is it a creepy-looking face? Hey, we can’t tell you. It’s whatever you think you see first, after all. Check out these tricky optical illusion photos that aren’t at all what they seem.
The happiest leaf you’ll ever see
It looks like this leaf decayed in all the right places to bring us a happy face that’s honestly kind of cute. Disney, can you work with this?
A downcast light switch
This sad switch really dimmed our light.
E.T. phone home
Is it just us or does this beat-up fence hinge look like our favorite extraterrestrial?
The woman in the rocks
This smooth rock formation looks like a woman holding a hand to her face. We have to admit, it’s pretty beautiful. Baffled? Check out more optical illusions that will make your brain hurt.
The Giving Tree
This happy little tree stump reminds us of our favorite children’s book, The Giving Tree.
The witch in the tree
The face in this knobby tree bark looks like the witch from every popular fairytale. Creepy.
Scared of the fall
This frightened coconut is probably pondering its impending doom… the ground.
Watch your step!
This little face doesn’t want to be squashed today.
It’s a dragon, it’s a moose, it’s a… tree?
Be careful… this tree looks like it could breathe fire. Ready for more tricky photos? See if you can you identify everyday objects by these close-up pictures.