Key insights
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1
Link to Empathy
Contagious yawning is thought to be connected to empathy, as individuals who are more empathetic are more likely to yawn after seeing someone else do so.
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2
Social Bonding Mechanism
Yawning may serve as a social bonding mechanism among groups, as it is more likely to occur among family and friends, reinforcing social connections.
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3
Neurological Underpinnings
Researchers are investigating the neurological basis of contagious yawning, focusing on brain regions involved in empathy and social behavior.