Snakes, Cities, Nature and Biphobia

Researchers, in a study published in People and Nature, report that “internet searches indicate a growing prevalence of various biophobias across the world. Countries with larger urban populations show interest in a broader range of nature-related phobias, supporting the idea that urban living may be linked with fear and disgust towards nature. This is also linked with the number of venomous species found in the country.

According to Dr. Correia’s findings, countries with sizable and long-established metropolitan populations tend to have a higher prevalence of different biophobias. “These results support earlier hypotheses suggesting a link between urban living and a disconnection with nature, driven by the extinction of natural experiences. This is ultimately reflected in fear and disgust towards other lifeforms. These reactions can negatively affect people’s well-being, but also have consequences for how people perceive and support the preservation of nature in their surroundings.”

“Online Searches Point to Growing Prevalence of Nature-Related Phobias in Urban Populations.”  2023. Press release, University of Turku, https://www.utu.fi/en/news/press-release/online-searches-point-to-growing-prevalence-of-nature-related-phobias-in-urban