S04E5.The Uncanny Valley: When Imitations Turn Terrifying
This episode explores the uncanny valley — that gut reaction when something looks human but wrong. From ancient shapeshifters and haunted religious statues to dolls, mannequins, and early robots, the hosts trace how mimicry has sparked fear across cultures and eras. They discuss psychological and evolutionary explanations (Masahiro Mori, cognitive dissonance), share chilling examples and personal stories, and ask what it means when our own reflection starts to feel like a threat.
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About This Episode
This episode explores the uncanny valley — that gut reaction when something looks human but wrong. From ancient shapeshifters and haunted religious statues to dolls, mannequins, and early robots, the hosts trace how mimicry has sparked fear across cultures and eras. They discuss psychological and evolutionary explanations (Masahiro Mori, cognitive dissonance), share chilling examples and personal stories, and ask what it means when our own reflection starts to feel like a threat. ...