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Modern Stress Threatens Human Evolution, Study Warns
3 Dec
Summary
- Human bodies evolved for rare, short-term stress, not constant modern pressures.
- Chronic stress from traffic and social media impairs health and reproduction.
- Declining fertility and sperm counts may signal stress-related evolutionary decline.
Research indicates that human physiology is not adapted to the perpetual stressors of contemporary existence. Our ancestors faced acute threats that necessitated a fight-or-flight response, but these were infrequent and resolved over time. Today, continuous pressures from technology and urban environments constantly trigger this ancient survival mechanism without adequate recovery periods.
This persistent activation of the stress response, far beyond its evolutionary purpose, is linked to detrimental health outcomes. Researchers point to issues like chronic inflammation, weakened immune systems, and hormonal disruptions as consequences of this mismatch between our biology and modern lifestyles. The body remains in a state of alert, unable to return to a baseline state of calm.
Furthermore, this evolutionary mismatch may be impacting human reproductive fitness. Declining global fertility rates and a significant drop in sperm counts since the mid-20th century are cited as potential indicators of this widespread stress-related decline. The study suggests that modern life is challenging our very ability to survive and reproduce effectively.
