The perception that humans are less unpredictable than wild animals could be attributed to several factors:
Familiarity bias: People are generally more familiar with human behavior, interactions, and societal norms, making human behavior appear more predictable than that of wild animals. The unknown and unfamiliar aspects of wild animals might contribute to the perception of their behavior as more unpredictable.
Societal conditioning: From a young age, individuals are taught to understand and interpret human behavior and emotions. Social norms and rules guide human interactions, making them seem more predictable compared to the seemingly unpredictable behavior of wild animals.
Lack of direct experience: Many people have limited exposure to wild animals and might only encounter them in controlled environments like zoos. This controlled setting might not accurately represent the full range of behaviors and adaptations exhibited by animals in their natural habitats.
Attribution bias: People tend to attribute negative behaviors or unpredictability to animals, while they may rationalize or empathize with human actions. This can lead to a skewed perception of human behavior as more predictable and socially acceptable.
Cognitive biases: Certain cognitive biases, such as the "just-world hypothesis," might lead individuals to believe that humans are inherently more predictable because they want to believe that the world is a just and orderly place.
Emotional connection: Humans often form emotional connections and bonds with other humans, making it easier to empathize and understand their behavior. In contrast, people may find it challenging to connect emotionally with wild animals, leading to a perception of unpredictability.
Media portrayal: Media representations of wild animals often focus on their untamed and dangerous aspects, contributing to the perception of unpredictability. In contrast, media often depicts human behavior in a more relatable and understandable manner.
Anthropocentrism: Humans tend to view the world and other beings from a human-centered perspective, assuming that other creatures should exhibit behaviors similar to their own, which might not always be accurate.
While humans can be more predictable in certain contexts due to cultural and societal norms, it's essential to recognize that humans, like all living beings, are complex and multifaceted creatures. We are influenced by a combination of biology, upbringing, environment, emotions, and individual personalities, making us capable of displaying a wide range of behaviors, some of which can indeed be unpredictable. Acknowledging this complexity and appreciating the diversity of behavior in both humans and wild animals can lead to a more nuanced understanding of the world around us.