Why do people only think things they've seen before are normal?
Why do people only think things they've seen before are normal?
Why Do People Only Think Things They've Seen Before Are Normal?
Have you ever wondered why some behaviors, traditions, or even foods feel “normal,” while others seem downright strange? It’s not a coincidence—it’s the result of psychology, evolution, and cultural influence. Understanding this tendency can help us challenge assumptions and embrace diversity. Let’s dive into why familiarity feels normal and explore how to break out of this mindset.
The Psychology of Familiarity: Why the Known Feels Safe
Humans are wired to trust what they recognize. This phenomenon, known as the mere exposure effect, means that the more we encounter something, the more we like—or at least tolerate—it. The effect explains why people tend to prefer familiar brands, songs they’ve heard before, or even certain cultural practices.
For example:
- Familiar Strangers: Research shows that people feel comforted by seeing familiar faces—even those they’ve never spoken to, like regular commuters.
- Cultural Bias: A traditional holiday meal in one country might seem exotic elsewhere, yet it feels completely ordinary to those who grew up with it.
This isn’t just a preference; it’s a shortcut for the brain. Recognizing something familiar means less mental effort, which is why we naturally gravitate toward the known.
The Evolutionary Roots of “Normal”
In evolutionary terms, sticking to what’s familiar was a survival strategy. Our ancestors relied on safe patterns—like eating familiar foods or sticking to trusted routines—because the unfamiliar often carried risks. A new plant might be poisonous, or an unfamiliar environment could harbor predators.
Over thousands of years, this caution became hardwired into our brains. Even today, we feel uneasy when something deviates from our expectations, whether it’s an unusual dish on the menu or an unfamiliar way of greeting someone.
The Sociocultural Influence of Norms
Cultural norms play a massive role in defining what’s “normal.” These shared behaviors and beliefs create order in society, but they also reinforce biases.
Examples include:
- Global Food Trends: While eating insects is common in many countries, it’s often viewed as unusual or taboo in others.
- Fashion: What was considered edgy or rebellious in one decade becomes mainstream in the next (remember how ripped jeans were once shocking?).
Societal norms evolve, but they’re often slow to change because people are creatures of habit. The more a behavior is repeated within a community, the more it’s accepted as normal.
How the Brain Processes the Familiar vs. the Unfamiliar
The brain simplifies the overwhelming amount of information it receives by categorizing it into familiar and unfamiliar. This process involves neural pathways:
- Familiar Stimuli: When you encounter something you’ve seen before, your brain processes it quickly, triggering a sense of comfort.
- Unfamiliar Stimuli: New experiences require more cognitive effort, which can feel exciting but also mentally taxing.
Over time, repeated exposure strengthens neural connections, making the unfamiliar feel familiar. This explains how sushi, once an exotic dish in the West, has become as ordinary as pizza.
Challenging “Normal”: How to Embrace the New
If normal is just a reflection of what we’ve been exposed to, expanding our experiences can redefine it. Here are some practical ways to stretch your sense of normalcy:
- Travel: Visit new places and immerse yourself in their cultures.
- Media Diversity: Watch films, read books, and listen to music from different parts of the world.
- Conversations: Talk to people with different perspectives or backgrounds to understand their experiences.
- Experiment: Try new foods, hobbies, or routines to push your boundaries.
The more you expose yourself to diversity, the less foreign it will feel. Over time, your brain will adapt, and your definition of “normal” will expand.
Redefining Normal: A Philosophical Take
At its core, normalcy is an illusion—a reflection of personal experience, cultural conditioning, and evolutionary instincts. By questioning what we consider normal, we can see the world in a more inclusive and open-minded way.
As the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once implied, “The boundaries of normal are simply the edges of your own imagination. Expand them, and the world transforms.”
Final Thoughts: The Beauty of the Unfamiliar
What feels “weird” today might become your new normal tomorrow. By embracing the unfamiliar, you not only broaden your worldview but also build mental resilience and creativity. After all, “normal” is just a starting point, not a limit.
💠Stretch Your Mind! Want to explore thought-provoking questions and challenge your perspective? Follow Question-a-Day to spark your curiosity and redefine what you think is normal.
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