How ‘hyperselection’ is making modern life efficient, pleasant – and boring
This idea refers to what happens when competition becomes so intense, and we become so adept at identifying and optimising what succeeds, that we repeatedly select for the same characteristics while alternatives are eliminated.1
Excessively sanitised environments may therefore remove some of the microbial diversity that our bodies need.1
Something similar may happen with psychological wellbeing. Modern environments are designed to minimise risks and maximise comfort and convenience. At the same time, experiences of difficulty, uncertainty and failure provide opportunities to develop coping skills and resilience.1