[F2XDBeK92twqqAD]

Because literally every form of media today constantly tells people that they need to be afraid of going outside, and most people buy it, even though our society (at least here in the US) is almost certainly safer than when they were growing up.

How many times have you seen someone saying they were afraid walking down the sidewalk because... someone else was also walking down the sidewalk?

[azekai]

You are right, but I don't think it is just the fault of the media, this is how the human brain works. No one is losing their minds with fear at dull but distressingly common causes of death like heart disease and car accidents. It is the rare, dramatic, unexpected kinds of death and violence that govern our thoughts.

People fear flying for psychological reasons of control/helplessness, not for logical statistical reasons. Fear of 'scary' death is like the negative version of the inaccurate and over-optimistic math that causes people to buy lottery tickets.

[jrumbut]

This is exactly my point. Part of being an adult in the modern world is being discerning in your media consumption and just a pinch of courage (obviously, specific circumstances might require a lot more).

It's OK to feel nervous if you run into someone unexpected outside, everyone gets that way sometimes. It's how you handle that feeling.