Why Are Anxiety Disorders Increasing?

In the grand scheme of biological evolution, emotional regulation has always played a dominant role. In an environment filled with danger and scarce resources, the cost of poor decision-making was often fatal. Therefore, being cautious, preparing in advance, and maintaining vigilance toward unfamiliar stimuli were optimal survival strategies. Without doubt, anxiety traits were advantageous variations under natural selection.

The Battle Between Reason and Emotion

Later, as Homo sapiens developed a highly advanced prefrontal cortex responsible for cognition, the primal emotional system remained governed by the amygdala. On one hand, the prefrontal cortex enhanced cognitive abilities, enabling complex information processing. On the other, the amygdala continued to function effectively, safeguarding survival instincts. Around 70,000 years ago, humans left Africa and, after enduring intense challenges, outcompeted species like the Neanderthals, eventually becoming the dominant species on Earth.

In just a few thousand years, human civilization has flourished, and we've largely forgotten the harsh realities our ancestors faced. Today, we enjoy abundant food, rich cultural experiences, and socially regulated behavior—all within the same biological framework. However, this system hasn't evolved quickly enough to keep pace with modern life, continuing to function with increasing inefficiency in a world far removed from small tribal societies. Today's environment is built on massive internet networks and unprecedented human-machine interactions.

The Mismatch Between Genes and Modern Life

Some have described modern transformation as a war between the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala—one pushing for rational thought, the other for emotional instinct. But why use the word "war"? The answer lies in a mismatch between our genetic blueprint and the current environment. Every day, we are bombarded with information that often exceeds our cognitive capacity. When this happens, the amygdala flags these inputs as threats, while the rational mind tries to convince us that they are opportunities.

When we instinctively resist job-related stress, reason tells us to stay mature and persevere. When we sense something suspicious in a partner's behavior, logic insists we're just being paranoid. This internal conflict is a direct consequence of our outdated biological programming clashing with modern demands.

The Triumph of the Amygdala

"Lose your humanity, you lose much. Lose your primal instincts, you lose everything."

We constantly seek answers to existential questions: Where do we come from? Where are we going? Yet, we may simply be byproducts of cosmic entropy. Although human lifestyles have evolved rapidly over the past few millennia, our bodies are still shaped by the laws of the jungle. What we call "humanity" may just be a patchwork solution to keep up with the rapid pace of civilization.

Our ancestors maintained social bonds through simple actions like grooming each other. Today, however, we're burdened with labels—degrees, job titles, certifications, promotions, and complex relationships in school and the workplace. We're constantly pressured to conform to societal expectations, which we might call "social attribute labeling." If we suppress our inner needs for too long, and fail to manage stress effectively, the amygdala may eventually take over—bringing a sudden, overwhelming sense of loss of control.

The Internet's Double-Edged Sword

We live in the 5G era, where everything is interconnected, and the global economy is more integrated than ever. The internet stands as one of humanity's most remarkable achievements. However, since 1945, cases of depression and anxiety in Western countries have increased tenfold, despite significant economic progress. Economic growth doesn't necessarily equate to greater happiness.

Although food scarcity is no longer a concern, our ancient mechanisms of competition and cooperation remain active. The amygdala instinctively interprets uncertainty as danger, yet modern society demands that we embrace it. To succeed, we must master complex social skills and maintain our positions in a highly competitive world. This ongoing tension is essentially a battle between the prefrontal cortex (reason) and the amygdala (emotion).

The Feedback Loop of Anxiety

Have you ever read articles about midlife career anxieties and felt a sense of resonance? Eventually, you might download a mental health app like "Chunyu Doctor," "Bilibili," or "Zhihu," and begin searching for symptoms that match your condition. Each time you seek reassurance, the app's recommendation algorithm feeds you more of the same content, reinforcing a self-perpetuating feedback loop. It's eerily similar to our ancestors' constant alertness in the wild—except now, the threat exists only in our minds.

This feedback mechanism leads us to endlessly search for potential risks. Once one is resolved, we immediately move on to the next, fueling widespread anxiety. You and the algorithm together create an "information cocoon," trapping you in a cycle of fear and uncertainty.

Genetics and Anxiety

Some studies suggest that individuals with depression or anxiety often have siblings or close relatives with similar conditions. However, it's difficult to separate genetic factors from environmental influences—since family members often share both genes and living conditions.

Other research points to specific loci on chromosome 10 linked to mental health disorders. While this helps isolate genetic contributions, it still only indicates susceptibility, not certainty. Many people with these genetic markers never develop anxiety or depression.

Conclusion: A Complex Interplay of Nature and Nurture

Anxiety disorders arise from the interplay between individuals and their environments. In today's fast-paced world, rising uncertainty and the pressure of social labeling can trigger anxiety, especially in those who habitually suppress their inner needs.

Assuming our genetic makeup remains unchanged, a lack of awareness about our environment and poor emotional regulation can lead to a surge in mental health issues. Therefore, cultivating a strong mental framework or cognitive model to navigate complex modern life is not just beneficial—it's essential.