The internet is filled with visual puzzles and brain teasers, and one of the newest challenges to pay everyone’s attention is the “Eye Test” where participants are asked to notice the number of times the letter “m” appears in a grid filled with “n”s.

At first glance, the grid seems simple enough—rows upon rows of lowercase “n”s—but hidden among them are a few cleverly placed “m”s that can easily go unheeded. This test is prepared to ask for your attention to detail, visual perception, and patience.

Why Are These Tests So Common?

Puzzles like these tap into our innate desire to solve problems and test our abilities. They also acted as as a fun way to finish the monotony of the day while giving our brains a bit of a workout. Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction that originates from finding the answer, especially when it seems elusive.

The Psychology Behind the Puzzle

This specific puzzle plays on our brain’s tendency to spot patterns. When you see a grid full of “n”s, your brain quickly forms a pattern and predicts it to continue, making it harder to spot the slight differences that signify an “m.” The challenge is to slow down and carefully analyze each character, forcing your brain to shift from automatic pattern recognition to detailed observation.