uncanny valleys

Noun

uncanny valley (usually uncountable, plural uncanny valleys)

1. (usually) A range of appearances, mannerisms, or behaviors of a humanoid figure that are subtly different from a human and thereby cause feelings of discomfort, such as fear or revulsion.
   • So in this case, the appearance is quite human like, but the familiarity is negative. This is the uncanny valley.1970, Masahiro Mori, “The Uncanny Valley”, in Energy, volume 7, number 4, pages 33–35
2. (broadly, figuratively, usually) Digital or ambiguous physical spaces that create a sense of unease or eeriness due to deviations from familiar patterns that challenge perception and categorization, leading to discomfort. (e.g., liminal spaces, haunted houses, the Backrooms, etc.)