How mirror neurons make us repeat after others and can it be fixed
Miscellaneous / / July 24, 2022
This feature helps us to survive, but it can also harm us.
We automatically smile when we see joyful faces, in the company of others we sincerely laugh even at mediocre jokes, unconsciously copy someone else's manner of speech and even emotions.
Man has an amazing ability to mimicry and constantly uses it. And you need to say thanks for this to special brain cells - mirror neurons.
What are mirror neurons
Mirror neurons are nerve cells that excitedJ. M. Kilner and R. N. Lemon. What We Know Currently about Mirror Neurons / Current biology and when we move ourselves, and when we see or hear how others do it. In the process of their activation, the brain, as it were, imitates the observed action - “trying on” it for itself.
Mirror neurons were first discovered in macaques, and later in other animal species, including rodents and birds. All mammals copy their own kind to some extent, and this is extremely important for survival.
The human brain has a whole network of mirror cells, distributedH. Jeon, S. Lee. From Neurons to Social Beings: Short Review of the Mirror Neuron System Research and Its Socio‑Psychological and Psychiatric Implications / Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience according to different structures, namely:
- in the premotor cortex, responsible for body movements, their planning and control;
- in the temporal lobe, which processes auditory and visual signals;
- in the insula and cingulate cortex responsible for empathy, emotions, morality and social perception.
Thus, the mirror system makes it necessary to copy not only muscle movements, but also complex aspects of behavior.
Why do we need mirror neurons
A network of mirror neurons helps to learn from birth and throughout life.
To learn useful motor skills
With the help of mirror neurons in the premotor cortex, the brain synchronizesH. Jeon, S. Lee From Neurons to Social Beings: Short Review of the Mirror Neuron System Research and Its Socio‑Psychological and Psychiatric Implications – PMC / Clinical Psychopharmacology Neuroscience perception and action, which allows effective learning.
So, for example, the baby repeats smile mother, although she has no idea what such a movement of the facial muscles means and why it is needed.
In addition, mirror neurons excitedG. Rizzolatti, C. Siniaglia. The mirror mechanism: a basic principle of brain function / Nature Reviews Neuroscience not on any action, but only on what has a goal and will lead to some result.
For example, if a monkey has already played with paper, the sound of a leaf being torn activates its mirror neurons. If such entertainment is not familiar to her, the rustling and crackling will remain white noise, and the system will be silent.
That is, the brain does not copy everything in a row, but isolates what can somehow come in handy. This makes the learning process even more efficient and filters out unimportant stimuli.
To understand other people's emotions
With the help of a mirror system, we we have the opportunityH. Jeon, S. Lee. From Neurons to Social Beings: Short Review of the Mirror Neuron System Research and Its Socio‑Psychological and Psychiatric Implications – PMC / Clinical Psychopharmacology Neuroscience study the behavior of another person "from the inside": copy their body position, gestures, tone of voice and facial expression and understand how it all feels and what it means.
This mechanism helps to show empathy - to feel what another person is experiencing, as well as to learn accepted in society. moral standards and follow them.
A well-functioning mirror system allows us to interact effectively with others for a common purpose and, most importantly, to predict their state and future actions.
To strengthen bonds between people
In a series of experiments discoveredT. L. Chartrand, J. A. Bargh. The chameleon effect: The perception–behavior link and social interaction / Journal of Personality and Social Psychologythat when the interviewer quietly copies the interviewees, he not only causes them more positive feelings, but also helps to tune in to the altruistic wave.
Members who were slightly imitated overall feltR. b. van Baaren, R. W. Holland, K. Kawakami. Mimicry and Prosocial Behavior/Psychological Science more intimacy with other people and were more likely to engage in prosocial acts.
Perhaps that is why a little mimicry like a literal repetition of the order helpsR. b. van Baaren, R. W. Holland, b. Steenaert. Mimicry for money: Behavioral consequences of imitation / Journal of Experimental Social Psychology waitresses get more tips.
Can a mirror system harm
Despite the fact that mirror neurons are simply necessary for normal life, unconscious copying of others can still be harmful.
For example, if parents lead an antisocial lifestyle, suffer from mental disorders or addictions, the child “mirrors” their unhealthy behavior. Adults also constantly copy each other, adopting other people's habits, manner of speaking, and even mood.
So, if a mentally healthy student is placed in a hostel with depressive neighbor, a few months later his mood will becomeS. A. L. Burchill, b. William. Interactions of Depressed College Students With Their Roommates: Not Necessarily Negative / Journal of Personality and Social Psychology much worse than usual. Even negative phrases in the news feed can reduceA. D. I. Kramer, J. E. Guillory, J. T. Hancock. Experimental evidence of massive‑scale emotional contagion through social networks / PNAS emotional background of a person.
The system can also interfere with those who are struggling with bad habits. For example, the mirror neurons of cigarette addicts excitedC. L. Dicker, P. D. Kieffaber, J. A. kittel. μ suppression as an indicator of activation of the perceptual‑motor system by smoking‑related cues in smokers / Psychophysiology in response to scenes of smoking, which can lead to a breakdown and relapse.
Thus, the brain's mirror network can really hurt, at least if you're copying an unhealthy environment.
Is it possible to overcome the influence of mirror neurons
It is impossible and should not be fought against this mechanism, because it is necessary for learning and socialization. Mirror system malfunctions interfereU. M. Mehta, J. Thirthalli, R. Basavaraju. Reduced mirror neuron activity in schizophrenia and its association with theory of mind deficits: evidence from a transcranial magnetic stimulation study / Schizophrenia bulletin understand the emotions of other people, which puts an end to normal communication.
However, you can protect yourself from potential harm by choosing the right person to mirror. Yes, in one experimentR. b. Zajonc, P. K. Adelman, S. T. Murphy. Convergence in the physical appearance of spouses / Motivation and Emotion found that people who have been married for a long time, even outwardly become similar to each other. What can we say about speech, behavior and way of thinking.
If you do not want to see the world in gloomy colors, communicate less with those who complain about life and are always dissatisfied with everything. Try to surround yourself with people whose way of life and thoughts you like.
And since we live in a digital age, filter not only real communication, but also consumed content. Remember that the more negatively colored news you read, the more your mood will deteriorate.
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- "What's so funny?!" Why we smile at the wrong moment and how to take control of emotions
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