The phenomenon you're describing
Update: 2025-06-15
Description
- The phenomenon described is called sensory adaptation or habituation, specifically social desensitization or adaptive numbing.
- It develops as a protective response to repeated exposure to uncomfortable or threatening social stimuli, especially for minority groups or those with visible differences.
- The brain's threat detection system, mainly in the amygdala, initially reacts strongly but gradually filters social threats as background noise through neurological pathways like the reticular activating system.
- This adaptation helps individuals function in hostile environments by reducing stress responses and hypervigilance.
- However, it can also dampen social sensitivity, making it harder to detect important social cues or engage fully in positive interactions.
- The same neural pathways that filter out threats may also reduce sensitivity to friendly gestures, reflecting how systemic prejudice impacts social perception.
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