Hello!
I am not sure if I completely understand your perspective, but I think that your thoughts regarding the "instinctual" reactions being a result of a filter effect seem quite possible, and the way that we experience reality seems to be more of a survival technique. I strongly recommend looking into Donald Hoffman's thoughts around the subject of consciousness and reality if you haven't already- this podcast is a really great exposure to a theory on the way our consciousness exists and has evolved. https://youarenotsosmart.com/2016/12/02/yanss-090-questioning-the-nature-of-reality-with-cognitive-scientist-donald-hoffman/