We explain what indifference is and what its possible causes are. Also, some examples of this feeling.
What is indifference?
Indifference is that feeling of being immobile, both in movement as in feeling, before some situation, idea or person. It is the negative form of difference.
The word indifference comes from the termindifference, which describes the mood of a person in which he does not feel attraction or rejection for any of the situations or issues that he faces. That is, it will remain at a point of indifference. It has been studied for a long time in the field of psychology, being the subject of hundreds of books that dedicate their pages to him.
Indifference, according to psychology, is not only synonymous with coldness, but can also indicate a attitude survival, as a shield or breastplate, in order to protect themselves from being injured. In fact, after many studies, it has come to the conclusion that indifference is used by beings with a strong and marked character of self-defense, since, as we said before, they use indifference as a barrier to the environment that surrounds them. Likewise, the fear of pain that many people have is also what results in indifference, to avoid further disappointment and to avoid opening their hearts.
Psychology tries to explain the phenomena of indifference as moments in which people remain static in front of what happens to them. In other words, they do not react in any way - neither positively nor negatively - to any episode that presents them with any of the reaction dilemmas that we experience daily.
The indifference is noticeable almost especially during the adolescence, moment of the life in that it is vitally important to learn to take decisions and to be interested in what surrounds us. It is then when adolescents, almost always at war with each other due to not finding a suitable medium in which to move; They take an indifferent stance that, according to what they explain, leads them to relate better to the environment, since they like nothing, but they don't like it either. They use this posture as a shield in front of the world, with the hope of, in this way, becoming stronger in order to find a space that belongs to them.
Examples of indifference
As a test, we are going to present you with two situations that will surely make you think. In the first case, and perhaps the clearest example, is the one we face every day. We often see ourselves crossing in the street with some people in a situation of destitution, without belongings, food, or security some What do we feel in these situations? Do we even stop to think about those people so devoid of everything? Perhaps we stop to provide containment or, at best, help? Do they generate rejection or discomfort? Or do we remain indifferent to the reality?
In the second case, perhaps a little easier when it comes to observing, since, according to psychological studies, by human nature itself one learns first to observe others and then oneself. This approach is even closer:
Your best friend has a problem that cannot be solved with the naked eye, or in any way. He is deeply saddened, but cannot see a way to solve it. He attends a meeting of friends with different personalities and different lifestyles -as our groups of friends are usually composed-, and in the middle of it, he relates his most important problem.
How does everyone present react? Are you reluctant to give help and support to this friend? Or do they willingly collaborate, taking an interest in the question? Is it born to hug him and help him even by giving him a few words? Or do they all remain indifferent and move on to the next topic? Can you remain indifferent to your best friend who needs someone to pull him out of the well?
With these simple questions you can better figure out what indifference is all about at its best. Remember: "It is preferable to have hands full of mud and ready to take out the bogged donkey, than someone who looks askance at the neighborhood without doing anything at all".