Cringe

Research Update

Hello, this is Junior Researcher Grant, assistant to Dr. John Sakars Kau, and I hope this message finds you well!

This was the only way I could see to reach you guys about updates regarding things over here at the university.

In terms of cringe, Dr. Sakars has been looking into the sources of cringe inspired by the data you all submitted, and came across a shocking discovery. The reaction itself is something genetically linked to all humans. Evolutionarily, it is said to stem as a method of deterrence for early humans to do things that they see as uncomfortable or disconcerting.

It's an emotional learning system of sorts, serving as a warning and intrinsic deterrent.

But that gives way to questions, one of which being "what would we need cringe for evolutionarily. What would we would want to avoid?"

Dr Sakars and I are looking into it, and we believe we have found some leads in historical, scientific documents, mainly around the Scotland and the United Kingdom. They mention something of a link with the uncanny valley, which is odd. Apparently both fear of the vaguely human and cringe are triggered by similar neural pathways.

More research is needed, but we will keep updates.

Thanks :)