What does motion aftereffect describe?

The motion aftereffect is a well-documented phenomenon in psychology that occurs when a person perceives motion in the opposite direction after being exposed to a moving stimulus for a prolonged period. For example, if someone watches a spinning spiral and then looks at a stationary object, they may perceive the object moving in the opposite direction of the spiral’s rotation. This occurs due to the adaptation of motion-sensitive neurons in the brain; when these neurons become less responsive from continuous stimulation, they can exaggerate the perception of motion in the opposite direction once the stimulus is removed. This fascinating aspect of visual perception highlights how our sensory systems can be altered and how they interact with the environment, reinforcing the dynamic nature of our visual experiences.