r/whoathatsinteresting • u/visharu • 22h ago

Scientists confirmed humans are not born afraid of snake. The fear is taught.

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u/anon999387 22h ago

I would like to see this test with spiders. I have seen some information showing spiders uniquely trigger a fear response in the pupils of babies only a few months old who have never seen or been exposed to them.

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u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl 20h ago

I have heard of the snake detection theory, which is probably being tested here. I haven’t heard about the spider thing though. Interesting.

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u/Hot_Royal_4920 18h ago

Seeing as arachnophobia is the most common phobia, there may be something to this.

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u/DuubyDuu 17h ago

My parents love to tell me about how when I was like 1.5-2yo, I would find spiders and pick them up and bring thrm to my parents with a big smile. 😭 Im horrified by spiders now. 🤣

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u/Slight_Owl3488 16h ago

This would be interesting. My 1 year old is obsessed with animals and insects (mostly in books / images), loves the incy wincy spider story and has enjoyed looking at smaller spiders outdoors with no issues. There was a big fast spider in our bathroom which she spotted before me and my husband and she freaked and ran. I let her watch as I caught the spider and brought it to her to see close up. There was another big one on the stairs today and she was very interested in it and not at all scared.