Human Attitudes Toward Insects and Spiders: Exploring the Paradoxes of Ecological Value and Discomfort

Abstract

Insects, with over a million species, are important to ecosystems, contributing to pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest control, yet public perceptions often lean negative due to fear, disgust, or cultural influences. The study explores human attitudes toward insects via a 17-question Google Forms survey, finding consistent perceptions across demographics, except for education level, which impacts ecological awareness and tolerance. A notable exception was the belief that all insects are harmful, which varied significantly by age, and gender differences in handling dangerous insects. Principal Component Analysis identified three key dimensions--environmental awareness, demographic influences, and emotional responses-- explaining 38% of the variance. The findings highlight paradoxes in public views, such as recognizing insects ecological value while expressing discomfort with their presence. Education emerges as a critical factor in fostering positive attitudes, suggesting targeted campaigns could bridge knowledge gaps and promote coexistence with these essential creatures.