Humans enter the world equipped with very few ingrained fears, essential for survival. Two of these innate fears are the fear of falling and the fear of loud sounds. These fears are thought to be evolutionary traits that helped early humans avoid danger and survive in hostile environments. The fear of falling, or basophobia, can be observed even in newborns, who exhibit a natural “Moro reflex” when they feel like they are being dropped. This reflex involves flinging their arms out sideways with palms up and fingers curled, as if to grasp something for support, and then pulling their arms back in. This is considered a protective mechanism.
Similarly, the fear of loud sounds, or phonophobia, is also evident from infancy. Loud noises can trigger a startle response, which leads to crying or distress. This may have served our ancestors by instantly alerting them to potential threats, like predatory animals or enemy attacks, thus enhancing their chances of survival.
However, beyond these two innate fears, all other fears are acquired throughout life. These fears develop from personal experiences, cultural influences, education, and information conveyed by others who might have those fears. For instance, a child might learn to fear spiders if they see a family member reacting fearfully to them. Fears can also be learned by watching others react to specific situations, even if the initial observer has never experienced the threat directly. This type of learning can be beneficial, as it can prevent individuals from having to experience dangers first-hand to recognize them, but it can also lead to irrational fears based on misinformation or misconceptions.
Moreover, the media plays a significant role in shaping fears, particularly in the modern world. Regular exposure to distressing news articles or disturbing images can lead someone to develop fears related to events or entities they have never personally encountered. Understanding that most fears are learned rather than inherent presents opportunities for addressing and potentially overcoming them through exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and other forms of psychological treatment. By confronting these acquired fears in a controlled and safe environment, individuals can often reduce their impact and sometimes even eradicate them entirely, leading to a higher quality of life and reduced anxiety.
