The "hatred of movements" is a psychological syndrome characterized by a strong negative emotional response to the sight of small and repetitive movements by others. For instance, watching someone tap their fingers or jiggle their feet can trigger this response. Research suggests that misokinesia may affect as many as one in three people, indicating it's a relatively common condition and is associated with a heightened sympathetic nervous system response, leading to emotional and cognitive consequences up to and including anger and anxiety. This sensitivity can negatively impact their social interactions, work, and learning environments.
The term was first proposed in 2013 by A. E. Schröder and colleagues, and has since been recognized as a distinct condition that can significantly impact an individual's tolerance for certain visual stimuli. Kinesiophobia this is not.
Misokinesia is related to, but distinct from, misophonia, which is a strong emotional reaction to certain repetitive sounds. While both conditions involve heightened sensitivity to repetitive stimuli, misokinesia is specifically triggered by visual cues. One can have both, of course.
The phenomenon is still relatively under-researched, but studies suggest that it can significantly affect individuals' quality of life. Some people with misokinesia may even avoid social activities to minimize their exposure to triggering movements. It also, in my opinion, helps to explain parts of what I was taught as etiquette, and why certain of my habits when I have to sit or stand still (or even wait) that I thought were innocuous annoyed some of those around me. My bad.
(Interrelated but off-topic: For my own sanity and the sanity of others, please chew with your mouth closed and do it quietly. I don't even like to listen to my self chewing!)
Sources:
https://www.sciencealert.com/misokinesia-phenomenon-may-affect-1-in-3-people-research-shows
https://www.wellandgood.com/misokinesia/
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/misokinesia-phenomenon-may-affect-1-in-3-people-research-shows/ar-AA1pG3Nk
https://attention.psych.ubc.ca/research/misokinesia/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/noises/202201/misokinesia-misophonia-and-mirror-neurons
Brevity Quest 2024