Why do we feel déjà vu, and what causes it?
Why do we feel déjà vu, and what causes it? March 9, 2025 | Curiosity, Neuroscience, Perception, Philosophy and Big Questions, Psychology, Question a Day Question a Day Déjà Vu: The Brain’s Biggest Glitch or a Glimpse into the Matrix? The eerie feeling that you've already experienced a moment before— déjà vu —is one of the strangest and most mysterious phenomena of the human mind. It can happen anywhere: during a conversation, while visiting a new place, or even when hearing a familiar song. But why do we feel déjà vu, and what actually causes it? Let’s dive into the science, theories, and psychology behind this perplexing experience. What Is Déjà Vu? The term déjà vu is French for “already seen” and describes the unsettling sense that a new experience is strangely familiar—even though you know it shouldn’t be. 🔹 Common characteristics of déjà vu: ✔ Happens suddenly and lasts only a few seconds. ✔ Feels oddly real but cannot be consciously recalled ...