The fear or paranoia of things that people know aren't real can be attributed to various psychological and cognitive factors. Some of the common reasons include:
Emotional responses: Emotions can be powerful and overwhelming, even in response to imaginary or unreal things. Our brains can trigger fear or anxiety responses based on past experiences or cultural conditioning, and these emotions can be extended to unreal situations.
Cognitive biases: Human brains are susceptible to cognitive biases, which are mental shortcuts that can lead to irrational thinking. For example, the availability heuristic might make certain imaginary threats feel more real and likely due to media exposure or vivid portrayals in movies or stories.
Lack of control: People might feel a loss of control over the situation, even if it is not real. This feeling of powerlessness can amplify fear and paranoia, as individuals may struggle to differentiate between what is real and what is not.
Uncertainty: Uncertainty about the future or the unknown can lead to anxiety and fear. Unreal situations, like those experienced in nightmares or intrusive thoughts, can create uncertainty and discomfort.
Traumatic experiences: Past traumas can resurface in different ways, including through imagined scenarios. The brain may associate unrelated stimuli with the past trauma, leading to fear responses even in non-threatening situations.
Overactive imagination: A vivid imagination can be a double-edged sword. While it can lead to creativity and innovation, it can also generate frightening scenarios that feel real, especially during heightened emotional states.
Cultural and social influences: Societal beliefs, cultural myths, and superstitions can influence how people perceive and react to unreal or supernatural phenomena. Cultural narratives can impact how individuals process and respond to perceived threats, even if they are not grounded in reality.
Mental health conditions: Certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders or paranoia, can amplify these responses. People with these conditions may struggle to distinguish between real and imagined threats, leading to heightened fear and paranoia.
Evolutionary factors: Some researchers propose that a predisposition towards fear of certain situations or stimuli may have provided evolutionary advantages for survival in our ancestors' environments. This predisposition might also extend to imaginary threats due to the overlap of neural pathways.
It is essential to recognize that people's responses to unreal situations can vary widely, and some individuals may be more prone to fear or paranoia due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. If these feelings significantly impact someone's well-being or daily functioning, seeking support from a mental health professional is advisable. They can help individuals explore the underlying causes and develop coping strategies to manage such feelings effectively.