How Do We Protect Ourself From Danger?

Many people have a fear of new places or people. These fears are a natural reaction to a perceived threat. These responses may be healthy in that they prompt us to escape danger and keep us safe. However, there are some fears that can be harmful and overactive. One example of a healthy fear is the fear of meeting new people. Although meeting strangers can be intimidating, this situation is not a threat to our health.


When we hear about risks, we typically think about the dramatic consequences of those risks. For example, if we are worried about a potential heart attack, we are more likely to worry about the danger. Another risk that evokes a high level of fear is a cancer diagnosis. While it is true that cancer is the leading cause of death in the United States, heart problems kill an additional 25% of Americans each year.

A common approach to risk communication is to make the danger as dramatic as possible. This drumbeat of drama in our daily lives contributes to the so-called mean world syndrome. Psychologist George Gerbner coined the term "mean world syndrome" to describe the negative effects of violence in entertainment media. Now, news media outlets have incorporated it into their content. It's no wonder that people are afraid of the news.

In the United States, 85% of the population believes that there's a real threat of a terrorist attack. Seventy percent of those surveyed said that this gives them feelings of anger, worry, and fear. A recent survey by Harvard School of Public Health found that if one in five Americans is concerned about mad cow disease, one in six would stop ordering beef from fast food restaurants.

The way we communicate about risk is often very dramatic. It is a common approach to risk communication that makes risks sound ominous. Aside from this, the 24-hour drumbeat of drama also adds to the mean world syndrome. This can lead to an individual experiencing fear in a situation. The best way to avoid this is to prevent the risk. When it comes to health, there are a lot of reasons to be afraid.

We should not be afraid of certain things or situations. Every person has a unique sense of what they consider to be frightening. Some people find a scary situation exciting, while others will be horrified. This is why we should be careful with what we are afraid of. If you are fearful of a particular situation, it may be beneficial to try to avoid it altogether. If it is threatening to you or a friend, you should avoid it.