The Uncanny Valley Explains My Urge To Kick Babies
A friend of mine posted a link on Facebook to this article in Science Daily. You know how representations of humans that look eerily human but still not quite right are a little disconcerting? Well, the article is about how monkeys have the same issue with representations of monkeys that look eerily monkey-like but still not quite right. Apparently, we’re both more comfortable with representations of our species that take conscious liberties than with those weirdly close but somehow off types.
Brief clip from the article:
The uncanny valley, a phrase coined by a Japanese researcher nearly three decades ago, describes that disquieting feeling that occurs when viewers look at representations designed to be as human-like as possible — whether computer animations or androids — but somehow fall short.
So yeah, there’s a scientific reason why I want to dropkick this disgusting little tyke…
This one’s ok by me though…
October 18, 2009 at 1:13 am
You’re a true baby lover!
October 18, 2009 at 10:38 am
you know it, baby!
October 19, 2009 at 8:37 pm
waaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh.
October 20, 2009 at 11:10 am
Steph, I feel that it’s my duty to inform you that kicking babies is illegal in all states except Alaska, so you shouldn’t just go around threatening such things. Especially in a town that outlaws adults from using swing sets.
October 20, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Luckily, I’ve just applied for a job riding around in the police helicopter–the one they use to shine a spotlight on the park after dark and order the children out over the mic. If hired, I’ll be the sharp-shooter. Just to clarify, I won’t be shooting wolves.