Desensitised

Desensitised describes the state of becoming less responsive to a stimulus, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, through repeated exposure. This process often involves a gradual reduction in the intensity of one's emotional or physical reaction. The repeated exposure to a stimulus leads to a decrease in its impact, making the individual less likely to experience the same level of distress, excitement, or arousal. This diminished sensitivity can affect various aspects of life, including interactions with others, responses to media, and reactions to potentially stressful situations. Prolonged desensitisation can sometimes lead to apathy or indifference, while other times it can be a healthy coping mechanism. It's a complex process, differing significantly depending on the initial sensitivity of the individual and the type of stimulus involved.

Desensitised meaning with examples

• After witnessing violent content online for years, the young man became desensitised to depictions of suffering, showing less emotional response to graphic scenes than he once would have. His empathy had lessened due to the constant exposure, leaving him detached from the violence he encountered daily.
• The therapist used systematic desensitisation to help the patient overcome their phobia of spiders. By gradually exposing the patient to images and then actual spiders, while using relaxation techniques, their fear response eventually diminished, allowing them to function normally around them.
• News consumers can become desensitised to tragedy through constant exposure to reports of war, natural disasters, and personal loss, often leading to a sense of emotional overload or 'compassion fatigue'. The repetitive nature of such coverage impacts our reactions.
• Factory workers, over time, may become desensitised to the noise of machinery and the constant presence of potentially hazardous materials, sometimes leading to a neglect of safety protocols. This reduced awareness highlights the risks associated with repetitive tasks.