Summary
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the phenomenon of semantic satiation, which is the experience of a word or phrase losing its meaning or becoming unfamiliar after repeated exposure. They explain that this happens because the brain conserves energy and avoids unnecessary processing of the same stimulus. The hosts also discuss how semantic satiation is related to reactive inhibition, which is the same process behind going nose blind to smells in your house.
The conversation then shifts to the topic of exposure and how repeated exposure to something that causes anxiety or fear can lead to a decrease in that anxiety or fear over time. The hosts explain that this can happen because the brain becomes desensitized to the stimuli or because it learns that there is nothing to be afraid of. They mention Leon James, a professor of psychology, who coined the term semantic satiation and did experiments on how it can be applied to other things, such as pop songs that quickly rise and fall on the charts.
The hosts also discuss how words have emotional attachments and can evoke emotions in us. They explain that this is because our brains associate certain words with certain emotions based on our past experiences. Finally, the hosts mention how Leon James applied semantic satiation to people who stutter and found that it could help reduce stuttering.
Overall, the hosts find the topic of semantic satiation and exposure interesting and informative. They end the episode by promoting their podcast, "Stuff You Should Know."
