15 Human Behaviours That Spread Like Viruses Between People (P)

Humans are natural imitators.

Psychologists call it the ‘chameleon effect’: our unconscious tendency to copy the behaviours, emotions and habits of the people around us.

Classic experiments have found that people automatically mimic the gestures and mannerisms of complete strangers they have only just met — from smiling and face-touching to subtle movements like foot waggling.

We do it instinctively, partly to fit in and strengthen social bonds.

But research suggests this tendency goes far deeper than simple mimicry.

The 15 studies below reveal how emotions, behaviours, attitudes and even personality traits can spread from person to person in surprisingly powerful ways — often without anyone realising it is happening.