The Curious Pattern of Deja Vu

Most people assume deja vu is a glitch, but it is actually more common in educated, well-traveled individuals. This strange sensation of having lived through a moment before happens to about two-thirds of the population.

While it feels like a memory, deja vu is actually a memory illusion where your brain misidentifies the current moment as a past experience. Research suggests you are more likely to encounter this if you travel often or frequently recall your dreams, as these habits expose your brain to more varied information. Interestingly, it is also linked to higher education levels and younger ages. Although usually harmless, doctors sometimes monitor it when it becomes frequent, as it can occasionally be a sign of neurological activity.