A Distance-Attenuated Energy–Entropy Theory of Stress and External Stimuli

External stimuli influence individuals and societies in highly non-uniform ways. In this paper, we propose a phenomenological theory in which the psychological impact of a stimulus is attenuated by both physical and psychological distance. By extending an energy–entropy framework of stress, we show that strong but distant stimuli can be effectively screened by weaker yet proximal ones. We derive static and dynamic stress relations and provide numerical examples demonstrating stimulus shielding. The theory offers a unified physical interpretation of stress, attention, and overload in social systems.