Optical illusion shows hidden number which everyone is seeing differently

If you're looking for a debate this weekend then you've come to the right place, because I've got an optical illusion which is leaving the internet divided.

Maybe you're looking for a challenge, a bit of wholesome fun with the family or a test to see who's drunkest - whatever the reason, optical illusions are sure to provide a bit of entertainment.

Rather than focusing on faces or dresses, today we're looking at numbers hidden inside a black and white swirl - not unlike the kind a cheesy magician might use to try and hypnotize someone.

Shared by a user on X, the illusion features a list of numbers positioned at the center of the swirl.

There's a good chance you should be able to make out the numbers - but exactly how many you can see has sparked a debate online.

The black and spiral which swirls in different directions only makes viewing more difficult, and at first glance you might only spot one digit in the center of the circle - if you can see a number at all.

Upon closer inspection, however, more numbers become visible.

Not to brag, but I can see a whole sequence of numbers - 3452839.

However, other people disagree.

X

One X user inspected the image before responding with the numbers '1528', while another responded: "45283 without my glasses. 3452839 with my glasses," they wrote.

One person even brought in some technology to try and determine the 'correct' answer by bringing in Google Lens as a backup to figure out what numbers were hidden in the illusion.

However, after putting the image through the lens, they expressed belief it was missing a number.

"Even Google Lens can see through almost 85%. Just the digit 3. It's 3452839," they wrote.

X

With some viewers left frustrated over their inability to see quite as many numbers as others, some X users offered up tips as to how to get a better view of the image.

One person commented: "Easier to see depending on how far away you look at it from."

Another person suggested that you may be able to see more numbers depending on your 'contrast sensitivity'.

"It can be tested by opticians. Worth doing if you're struggling, as it can affect your ability to see at night, or in rain, fog, etc," they explained.

All in all, though, the majority of people seem to agree that there are seven numbers in the sequence - some are just easier to see than others, with digits like '8' and '3' proving tricky to differentiate.