What is the motion aftereffect phenomenon?

The motion aftereffect phenomenon refers to the experience where a stationary object appears to move in the opposite direction of a previous motion. This occurs after an individual has been exposed to continuous movement in one direction, leading to a temporary shift in perception once that motion stops. This perceptual effect is a result of the way our visual system processes movement and adaptation. When we watch something move in one direction for an extended time, the neurons that respond to that direction become less sensitive. Once the motion stops, those neurons are still less responsive, while the neurons that detect motion in the opposite direction remain at baseline sensitivity, thereby causing the stationary object to appear to move in the opposite direction. This striking phenomenon showcases the adaptability of our sensory and perceptual systems.