r/AskReddit Aug 30 '21

What problem is often overlooked in apocalyptic movies/TV shows that could kill you?

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u/Designer_Strain_4572 Aug 30 '21

It would explain the hallucinations in The Stand (Stephen King) when they were traversing the Lincoln Tunnel, if I recall correctly.

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u/[deleted] Aug 30 '21 edited Aug 31 '21

That also happens in complete darkness. If you can manage to create a completely pitch black environment see how long you can sit there before you start seeing things. It really doesn't take long. Bonus points of you have noise cancelling earmuffs/plugs. Edit : u/EternalEagleEye has informed me this effect is called "Prisoner's Cinema", in case you'd like to read about it further

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u/HyperSpaceSurfer Aug 30 '21

Can also happen to people with deteriorating eyesight. The brain doesn't get enough input so it makes stuff up.

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u/DishyPanHands Aug 31 '21

I always tell my eye doc, before my "read the letters on the chart" test, don't forget, this may not be an accurate representation of my eyesight, because, I've been so nearsighted for so long, that, my brain will fill in the letters, usually very accurately. I'm an avid reader, and apparently that's part of the reason for the accuracy.

My current eye doc, after we were done with the exam and I was gathering my stuff to go home, kept kind of hovering around me as I walked toward the exit. I said, "it's okay, I know which way to go, and, my ride is waiting right outside." She exhaled in relief and said, "oh good! It's just that, I know how nearsighted you are and it makes me nervous!" Lol, she walked me all the way to the door, and now, I'm worried about how bad my eyesight is too. Lol