Why are people afraid to give others the benefit of the doubt?

Question

Why are people afraid to give others the benefit of the doubt?

Answer 1

Self preservation almost always rules.

Answer 2

they've learned that people are basically bad. good people have to work at it.

Answer 3

At times I question myself as to why, but in general, I do try to give others the benefit of the doubt.

Answer 4

its a scary world out there. People will do n say anything to get over on you...  

Answer 5

Because these are hard times and it is hard for anyone to be optimistic during hard times.  

Its also hard to give someone the benefit when there are so many examples of people who do not deserve it.