MENTAL MODEL · M5560

Motion Aftereffect / Waterfall Illusion

TechnicalHigh supportNeuroscience

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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

When you stare at a waterfall (downward motion) for a long time, then shift your gaze to stationary rocks, the rocks appear to move upward. After the motion detectors in the brain fatigue, the detectors for the opposite direction produce a false signal due to imbalance.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

The illusion of a reversal in trend. If you are in a long-term unilateral rising market (staring at the waterfall), when the market suddenly moves sideways (stationary), you will instinctively feel it is 'falling' (upward motion). This neural illusion is the physiological basis for chasing rises and selling falls.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

After continuously viewing unidirectional motion, the motion detectors for that direction adapt/fatigue, while detectors for the opposite direction become relatively more active; when gaze shifts to a stationary object, this imbalance produces a false signal of motion in the opposite direction (antagonistic inhibition).

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

Be aware that you have been in a 'unilateral trend' for a long time
When the trend pauses or moves sideways, be alert to the possibility of a reverse illusion
Use objective data instead of subjective feelings
Avoid making reverse operations based on illusions.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

Learning progress0%

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Source support: Explicit

link
zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%BF%90%E5%8A%A8%E5%90%8E%E6%95%88ZH · Explicit
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