The Orthographic Mind: Orthographic Imagery Propensity Correlates with Semantic Structures and Sensory Sensitivity

Individuals differ in their intrinsic modes of internal representation, exhibiting varying degrees of visual imagery, inner speech, and orthographic imagery. Yet the potential cognitive functions of these internal representation modes remain underexplored. Through three studies (N = 1,399), we demonstrate that individual differences in orthographic imagery propensity, measured by the Internal Representations Questionnaire (IRQ), systematically associate with internal semantic architecture and external sensory engagement. Study 1 (n = 1099) revealed that stronger orthographic imagery correlates with heightened between-cluster semantic associations and reduced semantic conformity to group norms, suggesting a role in generating novel conceptual links. Study 2 (n = 875) linked orthographic imagery to lower sensory processing sensitivity, suggesting its function as a top-down sensory filter. Unexpectedly, Study 3 (n = 487) found that visual imagery—not orthographic—predicted reduced engagement with reading apps, suggesting a cognitive-mismatch effect. These results position orthographic imagery as a unique mechanism that expands semantic networks while attenuating sensory influx, with implications for creativity research and clinical interventions for sensory hypersensitivity.