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=                             Pareidolia                             =
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                             Introduction
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Pareidolia ( ) is the tendency for incorrect perception of a stimulus
as an object, pattern or meaning known to the observer, such as seeing
shapes in clouds, seeing faces in inanimate objects or abstract
patterns, or hearing hidden messages in music. Pareidolia can be
considered a subcategory of apophenia.

Common examples are perceived images of animals, faces, or objects in
cloud formations, the Man in the Moon, the Moon rabbit, and other
lunar pareidolia. The concept of pareidolia may extend to include
hidden messages in recorded music played in reverse or at higher- or
lower-than-normal speeds, and hearing indistinct voices in random
noise such as that produced by air conditioners or fans.

Pareidolia was at one time considered a symptom of human psychosis,
but it is now seen as a normal human tendency.

Pareidolia is not confined to humans. Scientists have for years taught
computers to use visual clues to "see" faces and other images.


                              Etymology
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