What is "fear of the unknown" based on, according to past experiences?

The concept of "fear of the unknown" is closely associated with generalization. This principle suggests that individuals often draw conclusions about new situations based on their past experiences, even if those experiences don't directly relate to what they're currently facing. When encountering something unfamiliar, people might generalize negative outcomes from previous situations to the new context, leading to anxiety or fear.

By generalizing, individuals rely on established patterns from their past to navigate uncertainty. This tendency can cause them to anticipate negative scenarios, primarily if prior experiences were challenging or detrimental. In essence, the fear stems from an extrapolation of known outcomes into unknown territory, showcasing how human cognition often relies on previous knowledge to make sense of new situations.