No, we are not born with a fear of the dark. Babies and young children are not inherently afraid of the dark. Instead, this fear is developed through a combination of learned experiences and evolutionary predispositions.
- Evolutionary Basis: Humans have evolved to be more cautious in darkness as it was historically associated with increased risk from predators.
- Learned Experiences: Fears of the dark often stem from stories, warnings, or personal experiences that have associated darkness with danger or unpleasant events.
While babies do not inherently fear the dark, they may become uneasy in darkness due to developmental factors like the inability to see clearly or a sense of separation from caregivers.
Fear of the dark is a common experience, especially in childhood. It is important to approach these fears with understanding and support, helping children to build confidence in the dark through positive experiences and reassurance.
