You know what’s Not on Roids, but is lurking deep within your psyche? A primal disgust response thats apparently influencing whether you’re a YIMBY or a NIMBY! Seriously, folks, weve all been slinging mud at each other over Vancouvers density debate – accusing pro-developers of being greedy and anti-density folks of being elitist. But what if the real reason for the animosity isn’t about income brackets or urban planning philosophies? What if it’s…germs?!
According to a new study published in Archnet-IJAR, your level of disgust sensitivity – that deep, visceral reaction to things like bodily fluids and decay—is directly linked to how much you hate high-density living. Apparently, our brains are still operating on ancient instincts designed to keep us away from potential disease sources. High density? Lots of people crammed together? Potential for nasty stuff! Brain says: “Nope!”
Researchers at Harvard ran some tests, showing participants images of varying densities while simultaneously measuring their disgust score via the Revised Disgust Scale. The results were startlingly clear: those with higher disgust scores found the most densely populated visuals significantly less appealing. Its not about wanting a big yard or being stuck-up; it’s your lizard brain screaming, “GET AWAY FROM THE POTENTIAL PLAGUE ZONE!”
So next time youre arguing with someone about building condos, consider this: maybe they aren’t evil. Maybe their disgust response is just…stronger than yours. It’s certainly easier to blame a developer than admit your aversion to urban living might be rooted in evolutionary biology. Just sayin.
