We are born with two innate fears: falling and loud sounds. These are hardwired into our biology.
Innate Fears vs. Learned Fears
It's important to distinguish between fears we are born with (innate) and those we develop (learned). According to research, our initial fears are limited to falling and loud noises. Other fears, such as fear of the dark or monsters, are not innate; they are learned from our surroundings and experiences as we grow. Our surroundings—parents, siblings, friends, and media like TV—influence our understanding of danger and contribute to the development of these learned fears.
Examples of Innate and Learned Fears
Here's a simple table to clarify the difference:
| Fear Type | Examples | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Innate Fears | Falling, loud sounds | Biological and present at birth |
| Learned Fears | Dark, monsters, heights, spiders, public speaking | Environment, experiences, social interactions |
The Role of Experience
Experience plays a crucial role in shaping our fears as we grow older. For example, a bad experience with a dog can lead to a learned fear of dogs. Similarly, repeated negative stories about the dark can make children scared of being in the dark.
Examples of how fears are learned:
- If a parent is afraid of spiders, their children are more likely to also develop a fear of spiders.
- Repeated exposure to scary content on television can create fears.
- Negative experiences with specific situations (e.g., being stuck in an elevator) can generate fear.
Why These Innate Fears?
These innate fears, falling and loud noises, have evolutionary origins. They were critical for our survival:
- Falling: A natural reaction to protect us from serious injury.
- Loud Sounds: A response to potential threats, as loud sounds could indicate danger.
Conclusion
In summary, while many fears are learned through experiences, we are born with only two innate fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud sounds. All other fears are developed over time through our interactions with the world.
