Google trend - Uncanny

The term "uncanny" refers to something that is strange, mysterious, or unsettling in a way that is difficult to explain or understand. It is often used to describe situations, objects, or experiences that evoke a feeling of familiarity and strangeness at the same time, creating a sense of unease or discomfort.

The concept of the uncanny was first introduced by Sigmund Freud, the renowned psychoanalyst, in his essay "The Uncanny" published in Freud suggested that the uncanny is closely related to the experience of the familiar becoming unfamiliar or the repressed returning to consciousness. He argued that the uncanny is rooted in the human psyche and can be traced back to primitive fears and anxieties.

One of the key elements of the uncanny is the idea of the double or the doppelgänger. Freud believed that encountering a double, someone who looks exactly like oneself, creates a sense of unease because it challenges our sense of uniqueness and individuality. The doppelgänger represents the return of the repressed, the hidden aspects of ourselves that we are not fully aware of or do not want to acknowledge.

Another aspect of the uncanny is the idea of the "uncanny valley," a term coined by robotics professor Masahiro Mori in The uncanny valley refers to the phenomenon where humanoid robots or computer-generated characters that closely resemble humans but are not quite perfect elicit a feeling of revulsion or unease in observers. This is because they are close enough to be familiar, but their imperfections make them seem eerie or unsettling.

The uncanny can also be found in literature and art. Many horror stories and gothic novels use the uncanny to create a sense of fear and suspense. For example, the works of Edgar Allan Poe often feature characters who are haunted by their own doppelgängers or encounter strange, unsettling situations that challenge their perception of reality.

In visual art, the uncanny can be seen in surrealism, a movement that emerged in the early 20th century. Surrealist artists sought to explore the irrational and the unconscious through dreamlike and bizarre imagery. By juxtaposing familiar objects or figures in strange or unexpected ways, they created a sense of the uncanny that defied logical explanation.

The uncanny is also present in everyday life. It can be experienced when encountering coincidences or synchronicities that seem too improbable to be mere chance. It can also be felt when visiting a place that is both familiar and unfamiliar, such as a childhood home that has been transformed or a deserted street that evokes a sense of eeriness.

In conclusion, the uncanny is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses a range of experiences and emotions. It is characterized by a feeling of familiarity and strangeness, often resulting in a sense of unease or discomfort. Whether encountered in literature, art, or everyday life, the uncanny challenges our perception of reality and taps into our deepest fears and anxieties. It is a reminder of the mysterious and inexplicable aspects of the human experience that lie just beyond our conscious understanding.