the concept of the uncanny

The uncanny refers to a feeling of unease or eeriness when something is familiar yet slightly off, causing a sense of discomfort. It often happens with objects, images, or even people that look almost human but have subtle differences—like a realistic doll or a CGI character—that trigger subconscious doubts or suspicion. This paradoxical familiarity paired with unusual features creates cognitive dissonance, making us feel unsettled. The concept is important in psychology and art because it explores how our minds react to the near-human, revealing underlying fears and perceptions of authenticity.