Navigating Fear and Innovation in the Age of Neural Networks

We live in an era when technologies are rapidly changing our world, and neural networks have become the symbol of this change. Many people feel anxious about such a fast-developing phenomenon, seeing in it not only progress but also a threat to the familiar way of life. The emotional reaction to novelty is deeply rooted in the human psyche – the unfamiliar evokes apprehension and resistance to change, making one wonder if losing control over one’s own life might become a reality.

This inner struggle is often accompanied by what is called neophobia – the fear of everything new, which undermines the sense of stability. People feel comfortable remaining within their familiar zones, and any radical changes are met with caution. The tension is further heightened by societal warnings about possible manipulations of the mind, where technologies might be used for controlling and influencing our decisions. Such a mental climate creates discomfort, as the loss of personal autonomy becomes a tangible danger in the eyes of those who value individuality and freedom of choice.

Nevertheless, understanding the reasons behind these fears opens up the possibility for a more constructive dialogue about the future. Recognizing that the fear of neural networks is rooted in a deep reaction to the unknown and the apprehensions of manipulative influence, we can begin to search for ways to adapt to and master new technologies while preserving a balance between innovation and human values. This creates a foundation for achieving harmony in an era of rapid changes, where technologies work for the benefit of humanity rather than against it.

Why do some people develop a fear of using neural networks, and what are the possible causes of such distrust?
Some people experience fear of using neural networks because they perceive this type of technology as something foreign and radically new, which could threaten their accustomed way of life and their sense of control over their own lives. This fear can be explained, first of all, by the deep human reaction to what is unfamiliar or deviates from the known. As noted in one source, "Every fear is a fear of something foreign. The familiar, at worst, may cause boredom or even revulsion, but it does not arouse fear in us" (source: link ). When confronted with something fundamentally new, like neural networks, the natural reaction may be anxiety and reluctance to change.

Secondly, the fear of the "new" is often accompanied by what is known as neophobia. As explained: "This fear of the foreign is often combined with the fear of all things 'new' – so-called 'neophobia.' Such a person is confused by any novelty; it is organically unpleasant for him to reconfigure and adapt to new conditions..." (source: link ). Thus, the implementation of promising technologies causes discomfort for those who prefer stability and familiar routines.

Furthermore, public discourse periodically features messages indicating that people’s minds may be susceptible to manipulation. For instance, warnings that "your mind is being manipulated, forcing you to act against your own will, turning you into a puppet in someone else’s hands" create additional tension and distrust (source: link ). Such messages can intensify fear, generating concerns that new technologies could be used harmfully, violating personal autonomy and freedom of choice.

In conclusion, the fear of neural networks may stem from two main aspects: a deep reaction to the new, foreign, and potentially dangerous, and the fear of being manipulated and losing control over one’s own life.

Supporting citation(s):
"Every fear is a fear of something foreign. The familiar, at worst, may cause boredom or even revulsion, but it does not arouse fear in us." (source: link )
"This fear of the foreign is often combined with the fear of all things 'new' – so-called 'neophobia.' Such a person is confused by any novelty; it is organically unpleasant for him to reconfigure and adapt to new conditions..." (source: link )
"Practitioners of NLP conduct very elegant, one might even say – beautiful propaganda using the 'argument from the opposite' method. Occasionally, in periodicals, on the radio, and sometimes even on television, warnings for citizens emerge that their minds are being manipulated, forcing them to act against their own will, that they are becoming a plaything in someone else’s hands." (source: link )