Have you ever felt a connection with others while singing, dancing, or listening to music together? Psychologist Robin Dunbar says moving in sync can create strong bonds between people. He believes it helped early humans make larger groups and better communities.
Dunbar thinks humans found a way to get in tune with many people at the same time using voices or body movements. This let us make bigger groups than other primates, who usually bond by grooming each other. When people sing or dance in sync, they release feel-good chemicals, which help build relationships.
In one experiment with athletes, researchers found that those who worked out in sync with others were more resistant to pain. This may be because their endorphin levels increased. In another study, people who danced in sync felt closer to others than those who danced separately.
One interesting experiment involved babies. It showed that they are more likely to help an adult if they previously bounced in sync with them. This suggests that even very young children can experience the bonding effects of synchrony.
Research has also shown that we use both the left and right sides of the brain when we move in sync with others. Additionally, the brain’s reward system is activated, making us more likely to lend a hand to others when we are in sync.
Animals, like birds and fish, also show synchrony in their movements. This points to this kind of behavior having evolutionary roots. Flocks of birds flying in formation and schools of fish swimming together are examples of synchrony in the animal kingdom. This type of behavior helps animals stick together to protect themselves from predators and to find food more efficiently.
In one experiment, chimpanzees performing synchronized movements were more likely to cooperate later on. This finding supports the idea that synchrony is not just a human phenomenon but may also play a part in the social lives of other animals.
So, the next time you’re at a concert or dance party, remember that moving together not only feels good but also helps us bond with others and create a sense of unity.
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Moving in Sync Creates Surprising Social Bonds among People
Why does singing, dancing, or listening to music together make us feel more connected? Psychologist Robin Dunbar says moving in sync can create strong bonds between people. He believes it helped early humans make larger groups and better communities.
Dunbar thinks humans found a way to get in tune with many people at the same time using voices or body movements. This let us make bigger groups than other primates, who usually bond by grooming. When people sing or dance in sync, they release feel-good chemicals. This helps build relationships.
People moving in sync with others has been studied many times. Athletes who work out in sync with others feel less pain. People who dance in sync feel closer to others. Even babies are affected. They are more likely to help an adult if they bounce in sync with them.
We use both the left and right sides of the brain when we move in sync with others. The brain’s reward system is also active. This makes us more likely to lend a hand to others.
Animals, like birds and fish, also move in sync. Birds fly together, and schools of fish swim together. Animals that stick together can better protect themselves and find food.
Moving in sync may also play a part in the social lives of other animals. Chimpanzees that move in sync are more likely to work together later on.
The next time you’re at a concert or dance party, remember that moving together not only feels good but also helps us bond with others.
Read More:
Moving in Sync Creates Surprising Social Bonds among People
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