Do You See Blue or Green?
Have you ever questioned whether the colors you see are the same as what others perceive? The web app ismy.blue lets you explore this intriguing question by testing whether a displayed color appears blue or green to you, revealing fascinating differences in individual color perception. Ready to explore your own color perception? Take the test—it takes less than 20 seconds to complete!
This variation brings us to the concept of qualia—the subjective, personal experiences of perception. Simply put, qualia are the internal sensations we each experience uniquely, like how a specific shade of blue looks to you or how a strawberry tastes. We might use the same words to describe these sensations, but the actual experiences can differ from person to person. Though I haven't delved into qualia before, this experiment is a perfect introduction and illustrates how our internal experiences can vary.
Understanding that color perception can be influenced by physiological factors such as color blindness, as well as cultural and linguistic differences, enhances our appreciation of these subjective experiences—our qualia. For instance, some cultures have multiple words for what others might see as a single color, influencing how individuals within those cultures perceive that color.
To get the most out of ismy.blue, try the exercise with friends or family using the same device and under similar lighting conditions. Comparing results can lead to intriguing conversations about perception and reality.
Although not strictly scientific, engaging in such interactive experiences deepens our understanding of consciousness and bridges the gap between scientific ideas and our everyday internal life. This variation in perception even brings to mind Kermit the Frog's song "It's Not Easy Being Green." Just as Kermit muses about his unique experience of being green, we can reflect on how each of us may uniquely perceive colors like blue and green. By exploring these subjective experiences together, we embark on a journey to better understand one of the most difficult concepts in consciousness studies: qualia. This exploration fosters a greater appreciation for the unique ways each of us internally experiences the world.
Blog post inspired by: The Guardian Article (4 minute read)
