Brain researcher Marika Landau-Wells is seeking a better understanding of how to change our perceptions of danger. While once terrified of spiders, she now knows when to react and calm down.
Landau-Wells studies decision-making in situations where fear plays a role. She says we often struggle to distinguish between genuine threats and non-threatening issues.
The influence of misinformation and biased messaging can make this task even more challenging. To gain insight into her research, Landau-Wells examines how brain research may help us better understand what makes something truly hazardous or not.
Her findings reveal that the line between necessary attention and ignored danger is often blurred. This nuance affects how world leaders make decisions on national security.
Source: https://www.futurity.org/fear-responses-perception-podcast-3267482