The contagious yawning phenomenon is when we feel compelled to yawn after watching other people yawn, which has become a common occurrence and common in social interactions. While it may seem simple, why yawning is contagious is still interesting. To answer this question, here are some reasons yawning can be contagious and the factors involved in this phenomenon.
Reasons why yawning can be contagious
Imitation and reflexes
One of the main reasons why yawning is contagious is because of our brains' reflexes and imitation mechanisms. Humans naturally can imitate the behavior and expressions of others. When we see someone else yawn, a neural circuit links the perception of the movement to the reproduction of the action. This can trigger reflex and imitation responses that also make us yawn.
Social empathy
Social empathy, or the ability to feel and understand other people's emotions, also plays a role in contagious yawning. When we see someone yawn, we relate to their experience emotionally. It reflects the existence of emotional connection and empathy between individuals. Yawning after people yawn can be a natural way for us to show empathy and social connection.
Social brain coupling
Neurological research shows that seeing people yawn triggers activity in our social brain networks. This network comprises brain regions involved in facial recognition, emotion processing, and social understanding. When we see people yawn, our brains react and activate mechanisms of social understanding that can trigger a contagious yawn response.
Social Theory and Conformity
Social and conformity theories may also explain why yawning is contagious. People follow social ethics and strive to conform to those around them. When other people yawn, we see it as a social act and subconsciously yawn to fit our social group.
Social Context and Interaction
Social Context and Interactions with the person yawning also play an essential role in the transmission of yawning. For example, we are more likely to yawn when seeing relatives, close friends, or people with stronger emotional bonds. Social connections and existing emotional bonds can influence our response to contagious yawning.
Contagious yawning is a common occurrence in social interaction. The reason why yawning is contagious has to do with factors such as those mentioned earlier. While there is still much to learn about this phenomenon, understanding why yawning is contagious provides insight into people's social nature and the emotional bonds we share with others.