#TheDress
The viral phenomenon that divided the internet over whether a dress was blue-black or white-gold.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Peak | February 2015 |
| Origin | Tumblr post by Caitlin McNeill |
| Science | Optical illusion involving color perception |
| Impact | Most viral debate of 2015 |
Origin & Impact
In February 2015, a Tumblr user posted a photo of a dress asking whether it appeared blue-black or white-gold. The image went explosively viral as people perceived the colors differently based on how their brains interpreted the lighting. Within 48 hours, the post had millions of shares across all social platforms.
The phenomenon sparked scientific discussions about human color perception, generated countless memes, and even led to actual scientific papers being published. Celebrities, brands, and politicians all weighed in on the debate, making it one of the most unifying yet divisive moments in internet history.
Related Hashtags
- #WhiteAndGold
- #BlackAndBlue
- #Yanny OrLaurel (similar 2018 phenomenon)