Evolutionary Mismatch: Why Modern Life Frays Our Mental Health

A scientific review argues that stress, loneliness, and the fear of falling behind in modern life may stem from evolutionary mismatch: our minds evolved in small, close-knit communities, but we now inhabit vast cities with constant comparison via screens. This misalignment helps explain chronic anxiety and vigilance driven by online feedback, urban density, and inequality; the authors urge redesigning cities, workplaces, and online platforms to reduce perpetual competition and foster real social contact rather than shallow exposure to strangers.