'They're not gonna get you, probably' | Local psychology professor explains science behind fear of dolls

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Doctor Stephanie Jett with Georgia College's Department of Psychological Science has never been a fan of dolls.

She says, like many people, that fear started in childhood with her own baby doll and clown.

"He's the most terrifying looking doll that has ever existed on the planet in my humble opinion, and I used to love that thing when I was a kid," Jett said.

Whether it's Jett's or Georgia College's collection of century-old dolls, the toys can be scary.

"There's something that kind of makes us go, 'What's that?'" Jett said.

Jett says when we're younger, dolls are a source of comfort, but as we get older a phenomenon known as "uncanny valley" sets in as we gain more awareness. That phenomenon explains our fear of things that look human, but aren't quiet human.