Why Our Minds Mimic the Screen: The Power of Supernormal Stimuli
Why do male beetles try to mate with beer bottles, and why did two young girls attempt to sacrifice a classmate to a fictional internet character named Slender Man?
The answer may lie in a biological concept known as supernormal stimuli, which are exaggerated versions of things that would normally elicit a response in a living creature. In physical reality, our evolutionary ancestors developed nervous systems designed to monitor the world for social, sexual, and dangerous events. Today, social media platforms deliver these exact themes to us at an unprecedented rate and with intense vividness.
In my latest article, I examine the profound cognitive impact of this digital deluge. I discuss how the constant flow of online media can act as a powerful supernormal stimulus, commanding our attention in ways physical reality rarely can. For some vulnerable individuals, this extreme level of psychological and physiological arousal can lead to dissociation, blurring the line between internet fiction and violent reality.
As researchers and citizens, we must consider how our biological minds adapt to these modern technologies. I invite you to read my full essay to explore the fascinating science of perception, belief, and the digital world.
Read full article on Psychology Today
Published on May 5, 2026
