However, in the context of human psychology, it is generally observed that people tend to feel more empathy towards individuals they are familiar with or have a personal connection to. This phenomenon is known as the "empathy gap" or "empathy bias." When someone is familiar to us, we often have a greater understanding of their experiences, struggles, and emotions, which can lead to a stronger emotional response and increased empathy.
Conversely, when encountering a stranger experiencing homelessness, the lack of personal connection or knowledge about their life situation may lead to less immediate empathy. However, it's essential to recognize that empathy and compassion are not solely based on familiarity but can be cultivated through understanding, education, and an open mindset.
Many individuals and organizations work towards promoting empathy and understanding for those experiencing homelessness or other challenging circumstances. By learning more about the issues they face and the complexities of their situations, people can develop empathy and take actions to help create positive change in their lives.