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Deja Vu?

     The term Deja Vu is French for "Already seen". Hence, the sensation of Deja Vu. You're chatting with a friend about something at brunch, but it feels as if you've already been in the same setting, having the same conversation. So what causes it? Well, we don't know that yet. However there are approximately 40 or so theories that give logical explanation for the sensation.  In this post, we'll be going over some of the examples that'll really get you thinking!
     //Mix up//

This theory proposes that that our sensory system is what causes deja vu. The experiment that went about this theory is called Grant et al. The study shows that it is easier to feel as if you were in that situation before based on how the stimuli in a certain environment can spark a memory- real or not real. This goes on to trigger our subconscious mind to recall a time when we have heard or seen the same thing. The fault in this theory is that it does not give explanation as to why deja vu is experienced when the person doesn't recognize the situation at hand. 

//Hologram Theory- Totally Futuristic// 

The hologram theory proposes that the memories that we have are formed in three dimensional images. Herman Son suggests that the entire formation of the 3D image can become a "memory" of sort. Thus being said, if an element of your environment like, sound or smell reminds you of a previous moment, the whole memory can be created in your mind as a hologram, therefore making you feel like you are reliving it. What's it all mean? Why don't we recognize the memory after the deja vu sensation has passed? Because the stimulus that triggered the creation of the hologram memory is then hidden from our consciousness. 

//Precognitive dreaming//


Precognitive dreaming is when a dream predicts something a situation. A prime example would be the people who have dreamt about the Titanic sinking. This proposes that humans have a subconscious sixth sense. What's it all mean?The explanation behind this is that you have a precognitive recollection that allows you to recognize the situation. Since dreaming doesn't happen 24/7 (unless you're into that), you can't consciously recognize that stimulus and feel that it is familiar. 

//Divided Attention//

Alright, back to the subconscious. The divided attention theory proposes that deja vu is ruled because of a subliminal recognition of the object or topic in the sensation of deja vu. This means that our subconscious mind recalls the stimulus, but our conscious mind does not. This theory was put to the test by using students. The students were shown a few images of different ares and they were asked to identify the location they were familiar with. The kicker is that prior to the experiment, the students were shown pictures of some locations they have never visited, suggesting that the images didn't last for enough time for their conscience to register them. The study shows that students were much more prone to recognize the locations that they hadn't visited (shown to subconscious) than the locations that they hadn't visited (conscious). What's it all mean? Deja vu could be our realization of a message we have received subconsciously. This is assumed to correlate to media. 

//Amygdala//
The amygdala is a minuscule region of our brain. The amygdala is located in each cerebral hemisphere. The amygdala is very involved in our experience with emotions and feelings- the most common one being anger or fear. For example; if you have a crippling fear of clowns, your amygdala will process your response upon the event of seeing one. The amygdala acts temporarily and disorients our brain, causing panic attacks and things of the sort. What's it all mean? This theory suggests that deja vu is ruled by and is a product of a temporary brain malfunction. If you're placed in a situation that is identical to one you have been in before, your amygdala cold produce a panic induced response. Thus being said, you are put in a memory state of confusion, or better said- your deja vu.

The next time you experience deja vu, think about some of these theories! You could be amazed at what the cause of your experience might be. 

stay blessed,
rebecca.



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