In video games it's common for characters to run by default: why not do this in real life? https://www.jefftk.com/p/running-by-default
@jefftk Practically speaking, running by default seems more difficult since in most situations where I could either run or walk, I find that I am encumbered by something like a backpack (which would bounce and be uncomfortable) or a cup of tea.
I also get the feeling that running is slightly more likely to lead to collisions, which is a bit hazardous for people around you.
@jefftk Presumably the reason why it's not the default is because running is less energy efficient per unit distance¹: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15570150/
We're no longer energy constrained (and in fact people would probably prefer to burn more calories), but our instincts and aversions are still tuned to efficiency.
¹I think this actually depends on walking speed, but you need to walk pretty briskly for walking to be less energy efficient per distance than running.
@zebrask if this were the only reason this would push strongly in favor of trying to overcome the aversion