The phenomenon you're describing Podcast By cover art

The phenomenon you're describing

The phenomenon you're describing

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  • 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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