At first glance, the task seems straightforward: count the number of dots in the image. Simple. But, as with many puzzles that go viral, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

This specific puzzle features an arrangement of green dots forming a cross-like shape.

You might think it’s as easy as counting the dots, but that’s where most people go wrong.

The challenge isn’t just about counting the obvious dots; it’s about noticing the subtle details that are cleverly hidden within the image.

This puzzle takes advantage of a common cognitive bias: our brains tend to overlook small details when we’re focused on the bigger picture.

That’s why many people miss some of the less obvious dots embedded in the image. Our minds are naturally inclined to simplify tasks, sometimes at the expense of accuracy.

The Obvious Dots

The first thing you notice is the set of black dots. There are 7 black dots in total.

The Hidden Dots

But there’s more than just those 7 dots.

• The Dot in “?”: There are also 2 dots in the “question mark.”

• The Dot in “!”: There’s a dot in the “exclamation mark.”

• The Dot in “Geniuses.”: There are also 2 dots.

The Total Count

When you add up all the dots—both the obvious and the hidden—the total comes to 12.

This puzzle serves as a reminder that our perception can be easily fooled, and it’s essential to look beyond the surface to uncover the full picture.