Why are many people freaked out by things that look nearly but are definitely not human? Also known as the uncanny valley.

Question

Why are many people freaked out by things that look nearly but are definitely not human? Also known as the uncanny valley.

In: 13

Answer 1

I think it’s important to say that because the uncanny valley is a relatively new phenomenon, there still has to be done more research regarding the effects on our brain. However, one theory as to why people are freaked out by things in the uncanny valley is that our brains are wired to quickly identify other humans and interpret their actions and intentions. When we encounter something that looks human-like but isn’t quite right, our brains can’t process it properly, which can lead to feelings of discomfort and unease. Another theory is that our brains are evolved to recognize and avoid potential threats, and something that looks almost human but isn’t quite right may be interpreted as a potential threat.