Yes, the phenomenon of feeling like a place looks familiar even though you've never been there before can be attributed to various factors, including:
Media Exposure: In today's interconnected world, we are exposed to a vast amount of media, including movies, TV shows, documentaries, travel blogs, and photographs. Many popular tourist destinations and iconic places are frequently featured in these media, which can create a sense of familiarity when you finally encounter them in real life.
Cultural Influence: Certain places may hold significance in various cultures or religions, and their images might be widely disseminated through cultural and religious texts, art, or stories. When you encounter such a place, the cultural familiarity might make it feel as if you've been there before, even if you haven't.
Archetypes and Stereotypes: Some places fit common archetypes or stereotypes associated with certain geographical regions. For instance, images of quaint European villages, bustling Asian markets, or vast American landscapes are often depicted in ways that become ingrained in our collective consciousness. When you encounter places that match these archetypes, they can trigger a sense of familiarity.
Similarity to Other Places: Sometimes, a place may share visual similarities with locations you have visited before. This can create a feeling of déjà vu, making the new place appear familiar.
Dreams and Imagination: Human imagination can be powerful. You may have dreamt about a place or encountered it in your imagination through books or stories, making it seem familiar when you see something reminiscent of that imagery.
Geographical Patterns: Certain landscapes or architectural styles are repeated across different places due to geographical patterns or historical influences. These similarities can make you feel like you've seen a place before.
Selective Attention and Memory: Sometimes, your brain may filter out less familiar aspects of a place, focusing on elements that align with your preconceived notions or expectations. This selective attention can create a feeling of familiarity.
Spatial Recognition: The human brain is adept at recognizing patterns and shapes. Even if you haven't been to a place, you might have seen maps, aerial views, or pictures taken from specific angles that trigger a sense of recognition.
Overall, the feeling of familiarity when encountering new places is a fascinating interplay of various psychological, cultural, and environmental factors. It's an example of how our minds process and interpret the world around us based on our experiences, memories, and exposure to information.