The idea that human biology might struggle to keep up with the rapid changes of modern society has recently been highlighted by an evolutionary biologist. Mental health challenges are increasing around the world, with healthcare systems struggling to meet the growing demand for psychiatric care.
This increase in mental health begs the question: what is driving this widespread phenomenon?
One compelling theory suggests that society’s rapid evolution may be outpacing human biological adaptation, leaving us ill-prepared to deal with the complexities of modern life. This idea was recently echoed by evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins.
“Many people are concerned that the pace of change is such that we are no longer well adapted to live in it,” Dawkins said during a discussion on the TRIGGERnometry podcast. “This is a concern.”
He further explained, “Certainly, the rate at which we evolve genetically is minuscule compared to the rate at which we evolve non-genetically, culturally.”
Dawkins also suggested that much of the mental health crisis may stem from the constantly changing and unpredictable nature of our environment, something that stands in stark contrast to the more stable conditions our ancestors experienced.
However, despite acknowledging these concerns, Dawkins remains skeptical about whether this is the only explanation for rising mental health problems.
“I actually think it’s amazing how resilient we are,” he noted. “It seems like most of us are doing a pretty good job of coping with the astonishing speed of change in my life.”
Dawkins raised more immediate concerns about other aspects of the impact of human technology on evolution.
“The internet is a huge change, it’s a huge change,” he says noted. “We got used to it with astonishing speed.”
“If we lose the electricity, if we suddenly lose the technology that we’re used to,” Dawkins worried, humanity might not be able to “start” adapting in time without major social upheaval and death.
As the world continues to evolve at breakneck speed, the question remains: is this rapid change a key factor behind the mental health crisis, or are there other forces at play?
