In recent weeks, a trend called ‘Uncanny Valley’ has taken TikTok by storm, capturing the attention of users with its eerie makeup style. Despite its recent surge in popularity, the term has been in use for almost half a century. So, what does ‘Uncanny Valley’ really mean, and why do we encounter it frequently on social media platforms like TikTok?
Tiktok the Origin: Masahiro Mori’s Insight
The concept of ‘Uncanny Valley,’ or ‘Tekinsiz Vadi’ in Turkish, gained popularity after Masahiro Mori introduced it in a 1970 article. Mori argued that as robots acquire more human-like qualities, they become increasingly endearing to people. However, he noted that there’s a tipping point where this resemblance becomes unsettling.
In Mori’s perspective, the more realistic a robot becomes, the greater the feeling of ‘uncanniness’ experienced by humans. He illustrated this phenomenon in the ‘Uncanny Valley’ graph, showing that as a robot becomes more human-like, our familiarity with it increases. However, there’s a twist, as noted by Fabian Grabenhorst, an experimental psychology professor at Oxford University:
“Yet, Mori recognized an exception to this pattern. At a certain point, if an artificial entity becomes too similar to a human, the sense of closeness or sympathy turns around and evokes creepy, even nauseating feelings.”
To better grasp the concept, let’s delve into a visual representation of the ‘Uncanny Valley.’ Here’s a simple diagram showcasing the relationship between human-likeness and our emotional response:
In this graph, as the likeness of a robot to a human increases, our familiarity with it peaks and then drops, leading to the eerie realm of the ‘Uncanny Valley.’ This descent triggers discomfort, creating sensations of creepiness and even disgust.
Uncanny Valley in Modern Culture: TikTok’s Viral Wave
Now, let’s connect this concept to its recent surge on TikTok. The ‘Uncanny Valley’ trend on the platform manifests through unsettling makeup styles that push the boundaries of realism. Creators are exploring the fine line between an appealing resemblance and a disturbing, ‘uncanny’ effect.
This viral wave on TikTok is a testament to the enduring relevance of Mori’s insights. As users engage with content that treads the edge of the ‘Uncanny Valley,’ they experience a unique blend of fascination and unease, sparking conversations and reactions across the platform.
Conclusion: Navigating the Intricacies of Human Perception
In conclusion, ‘Uncanny Valley’ is a captivating concept deeply rooted in our psychological responses to artificial entities. As technology advances, particularly in fields like robotics and virtual reality, understanding and navigating the ‘Uncanny Valley’ becomes crucial.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a psychology buff, or just a curious TikTok user, delving into the depths of the ‘Uncanny Valley’ adds a new layer of understanding to our evolving relationship with technology and its impact on our emotions. As we continue to explore the intersection of humanity and artificiality, the ‘Uncanny Valley’ remains a fascinating terrain to navigate.