However, I can acknowledge that humans tend to feel more empathy toward individuals they know or are familiar with compared to strangers. This emotional response is a common psychological phenomenon called the "familiarity bias" or "in-group bias." When we have a personal connection with someone or perceive them as part of our social group, we are more likely to empathize and feel compassion for their situation.
For example, if you know a person experiencing homelessness, you may understand their individual struggles and challenges, which could evoke more empathy and a desire to help. On the other hand, when faced with a stranger experiencing homelessness, the emotional connection might be less immediate, leading to a different empathetic response.
It's important to recognize these biases and work towards developing empathy and compassion for all individuals, regardless of whether they are familiar to us or not. Understanding the struggles and difficulties faced by people experiencing homelessness can help cultivate a more compassionate society and drive meaningful efforts to address their needs.