Why do I sometimes think strangers are people I know?

Have you ever had that weird feeling where you see someone on the street and think, “Hey, I know that person!” only to realize a second later that they’re actually a total stranger? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This happens to lots of people, and there are some interesting reasons behind it.

First off, our brains are wired to recognize faces. It’s a survival thing – back in the day, we needed to quickly tell friend from foe. So our brains got really good at spotting familiar faces. Sometimes, this face-recognition system goes into overdrive and sees patterns where there aren’t any[1].

Another reason is something called the “mere exposure effect.” Basically, if you see someone often enough, even if you don’t interact with them, your brain starts to feel like you know them. Maybe it’s that person you always see at the bus stop or the cashier at your local store. You don’t really know them, but your brain feels like you do[2].

Our memories can play tricks on us too. Maybe that stranger reminds you of someone you used to know, or they have features similar to a friend or family member. Your brain makes a quick connection and suddenly you think you know them[3].

Sometimes, it’s about context. If you’re in a familiar place, like your neighborhood or workplace, your brain expects to see familiar faces. So when you spot someone, your first instinct might be to assume you know them[1].

There’s also a psychological thing called “social hunger.” We humans are social creatures, and sometimes when we’re feeling lonely or isolated, our brains might make us think we recognize people as a way of seeking connection[3].

It’s worth noting that some people experience this more intensely than others. There’s even a condition called prosopagnosia, or face blindness, where people have trouble recognizing faces at all. On the flip side, some folks are “super-recognizers” who rarely forget a face[1].

So next time you think you spot someone you know and it turns out to be a stranger, don’t sweat it. It’s just your brain doing its thing, trying to make sense of the world around you. It’s a normal part of how we process faces and social information.

Remember, though, if you start frequently mistaking strangers for people you know and it’s causing you distress, it might be worth chatting with a healthcare professional. They can help rule out any underlying issues and give you peace of mind.

In the end, this quirk of our brains shows just how social we humans are. We’re always looking for connections, even in a sea of strangers. And that’s kind of cool when you think about it.