Then the media play more of a roll of working on those installed fears, or in the case of flying it is all pretty much made up as there has not been near enough generations for it to become any kind of trait in our genes.
I don't think "natural" selection has as much of a hold on humans now, anyway, as we have much more control over our births & deaths, and "fatal flaws" in our genes do not always dictate our fecundity or survival - so it is unlikely a fear of flying would ever be genetic-based. I am also not so sure that any Obsessive/Compulsive disorder, which phobias are related to, has its roots in "suggestion" from parents or directly from actual bad early experience. If bad childhood experiences made you fearful in general, you may develop some kind of phobia or OCD, but not necessarily one related to the experience.
Aside from that, I always wanted to get my pilot's license - though I am afraid of heights, I love flying - and I did fly (won a free flight at a Wreck Beach Committee party many years ago). I loved it, but that was enough - my "dream" was realized. I always wanted to go to Africa and be the next Jane Goodall. Well, maybe someday I'll still get to Africa, somewhere. Not so much into following apes around in a mountainous, mosquito-infested rainforest anymore. Our dreams change!
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