A Mysterious Photo Sparks a Global Color Controversy

It began as an innocent post, but soon it took the internet by storm. A photograph of a dress, posted by Caitlin McNeill on Tumblr, ignited one of the most polarizing debates in internet history. Was this dress blue and black, or white and gold? People around the world were suddenly torn between two sides, each convinced they were right. But why were so many people seeing different colors in the same image?

The Unlikely Origins of a Viral Phenomenon That Divided Friends and Families

The dress, a Roman Originals creation, was initially worn by a mother at a wedding, who sent a photo to her daughter. The daughter, however, couldn’t agree on the colors with her friends. McNeill posted the image online, asking for help: “Guys, please help me — is this dress white and gold, or blue and black? Me and my friends can’t agree and we are freaking out.” Within hours, the debate had gone viral, and the world was hooked.

This wasn't just another internet fad; it was a full-blown cultural moment. Social media platforms exploded with heated discussions, memes, and hashtags like #TheDress, drawing attention from celebrities, psychologists, and even neuroscientists who tried to explain the color confusion.

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