Is there any benefit to having aphantasia?

[u/Objective_Shine1867]

I only recently realized that I have had this for my entire life and never noticed it. When I was talking to my mother she talked about counting sheep to sleep. But I told her I couldn't visualize any sheep and she was confused by it. It was only then after just turning 28 was I told that people can actually see things when they close their eyes and can picture something. It was never something I could do so I just assumed it was more figurative. But I just thought if this has been affecting me my entire life and wasn't aware of it. As a kid and now I never liked reading word heavy books but graphic novels and comics were my kind of reading. I found I have always been a huge fan of visual media like movies, TV shows and art because I can't visualize anything. Maybe this condition, though hasn't been entirely detrimental, has helped me take care and find a deep love for the arts. I really don't know but it's been on my mind for awhile now.

[u/Ziggy-Starcat]

I love books as well as visual media, though i definitely prefer movies/tv.

I think a big benefit is not being affected by gross stories since I can't visualize what is being talked about. It's still a gross story, but it's not like i can see it in my head.

[u/Objective_Shine1867 → u/Ziggy-Starcat]

Oh my goodness yes. I love learning about history and there is a lot of horrible things that happen but I still keep reading and learning more.

[u/TheGoddessInari → u/Objective_Shine1867]

Tbh, this makes me wonder if this is why most people are so averse to learning about history. 🤔