Jan 08 2009
Are moods contagious?
Do you think your friend’s mood affects yours too? If you see someone yawning, do you feel like yawning too? When someone is sick or in agony, does it make you sad?
I agree with the above question. Whenever I’m attending a lecture and if I see someone yawning, as a reflex I yawn too. This happens even though I’m enjoying the lecture.
On a similar note, whenever I go to the library to study and see others studying, I feel like working harder and studying more. These aren’t students just in my batch. It includes students from other courses as well. I get much less work done in my room.
The only aspect where I probably disagree is when it comes to depression. I haven’t experienced depression being contagious. A lot of research is going on regarding this aspect. From experience I’ve noticed that if one is depressed, it’s best to go and talk to him. If moods are really contagious, instead of you becoming depressed, can’t he become elated too?
What do you think?
