Understanding Habituation: Why We Overlook Horrors

In the midst of our daily lives, we often normalize the atrocities that surround us. As it's clearly explained in a recent New York Times article, ”The underlying reason is a pivotal biological feature of our brain: habituation, or our tendency to respond less and less to things that are constant or that change slowly”.  

Just like how we stop noticing the smell of coffee in a crowded café after a while, our brains filter out persistent background noise and focus on what's new or changing. Isn’t it weird when you can ‘smell’ your friend’s house but not yours? 

As stated in the video, the leading theory behind this phenomena is that by adapting to the smells in our environment it allows us to quickly detect new changes that could be potentially threatening. For example, if your house was musty for example and that was all you’ve ever smelled, then you may be unaware if something else in your home started rotting. Drawing this parallel individuals can become accustomed to social horrors and inequalities, impacting human cognition and behavior. Why would we act on something we don’t even notice because it’s normal to us? This desensitization can lead to a lack of awareness and empathy, perpetuating harmful norms and conducts. 

Addressing the ‘New Normal’

This habituation extends beyond simple sensory experiences to complex social situations, including war, corruption, discrimination, and extremism. As threats escalate gradually, they elicit weaker emotional reactions, leading to acceptance of what should be considered unacceptable.

The previous TEDx Talk, explores the phenomenon of habituation and desensitization to violence. It delves into how repeated exposure to violent content or experiences can lead to a normalization of violent behavior and attitudes in society. This normalization process diminishes emotional responses to violence, shaping beliefs, behaviors, and societal norms. 

Habituation to atrocities and unethical behavior resonates with the concept of Slow Violence, which underscores the insidious nature of ongoing, gradual harm. Both concepts reveal how individuals and societies can become desensitized to persistent atrocities, such as war, corruption, discrimination, and environmental degradation, when these threats escalate slowly or occur over extended periods. This desensitization leads to the normalization of injustice and the acceptance of what should be considered unacceptable. Whether through Milgram's obedience studies or the unnoticed erosion of environmental and social conditions, the interconnectedness of habituation and slow violence highlights the critical need for heightened awareness, empathy, and proactive efforts to address these hidden yet impactful forms of violence and harm.

Strategies to Breaking the Cycle 

There is a clear need to raise awareness and foster compassion to effectively address the impacts of desensitization to violence. Promoting understanding through education, critical thinking, empathy-building initiatives, support services, community engagement, and advocacy for policy change. These strategies aim to promote kindness and a dialogue based conflict resolution, creating a society that rejects violence and prioritizes empathy, compassion, and social responsibility.

It is time to accept that ‘Just because we are used to something, doesn’t make it OK’. Therefore, can that reality-check mentality be a catalyst to action?

Calling All Dishabituation Entrepreneurs

Amidst this backdrop of habituation, there is hope. The article emphasizes the role of "dishabituation entrepreneurs"—individuals who refuse to accept the status quo and actively challenge societal norms. By exposing ourselves to diverse experiences, questioning assumptions, and fostering critical perspectives, we can break free from habituation and become more attuned to injustices and horrors that we may have grown accustomed to.

Malala Yousafzai's example vividly illustrates the importance of not looking aside and taking active action towards addressing societal problems. In the face of grave threats and violence, Malala did not remain passive or indifferent to the injustices she witnessed. Instead, she bravely confronted the normalization of extremism and oppression by advocating for girls' education and speaking out against injustice. Her actions emphasize that change requires proactive engagement and a refusal to accept the status quo. 

By highlighting Malala's courage and determination, we are reminded of the critical role individuals play as agents of change when they choose to actively address problems rather than turning a blind eye.

The video "There Are No Superheroes, Just Us: My Journey with Malala" by Shiza Shahid at TEDxMidAtlantic is a great example of what a dishabituation entrepreneur like Malala can do because it showcases the power of individual action in challenging societal norms and advocating for positive change.

Shiza Shahid, highlights how Malala's actions disrupted complacency and inspired a global movement for education and gender equality demonstrating the transformative power of individual agency in addressing deep-rooted societal issues. She became a symbol of resilience, courage, and hope, encouraging others to stand up for what is right and challenge injustice wherever it exists.

Habituation and its consequences

There is a lot more to discuss. In concluding this exploration of habituation's profound impact on human experience, it is essential to highlight the ongoing dialogue and exchange of ideas among experts in the field. Listen to this conversation between Philosopher and Neuroscientist, Sam Harris and Professor Cass Sunstein. Expect to find some insights about the complexities of human behavior and the potential pathways towards fostering individual well-being and collective flourishing.