When we think of contagious things, our minds often jump to illnesses like the flu or a cold—sicknesses that spread easily from person to person. We know that sneezing, coughing, or touching can transmit germs. However, not everything contagious is a disease. Some behaviors, feelings, and habits can spread too! You might be surprised to learn that there are many things we “catch” from those around us without even realizing it.
Have you ever yawned just because someone else did? Or felt a wave of sadness after seeing a friend upset? These are examples of how certain emotions and behaviors can spread similarly to a virus. Here are five surprising things you wouldn’t believe are contagious.
- Laughter
Laughter is incredibly contagious. When one person starts laughing, it often spreads to those nearby. Even if you don’t know what’s funny, hearing laughter can make you chuckle too. Scientists believe laughter triggers positive feelings in our brains, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself laughing along! - Yawning
Yawning is a behavior that almost everyone experiences as contagious. One person yawns, and suddenly everyone else in the room feels the urge to yawn as well. Interestingly, even seeing a picture or video of someone yawning can trigger this response. Experts think yawning is linked to empathy and social bonding. - Stress
Believe it or not, stress can be contagious. If you’re around someone who is stressed, you might start feeling anxious too, even if you weren’t before. Humans are naturally empathetic and tend to pick up on the emotions of those around us, leading to shared feelings of stress. - Negative Moods
Similar to stress, negative moods like sadness, anger, or frustration can also spread from person to person. Being around someone who is in a bad mood can affect your mood, even if nothing has gone wrong in your life. Humans are influenced by the emotions of others, particularly those we care about. While it’s important to be supportive, spending too much time around negative energy can impact your own mood. - Obesity
It may sound unusual, but research indicates that obesity can be contagious. Studies show that if a person’s close friends or family members are overweight, they are more likely to gain weight as well. This isn’t because obesity spreads like a virus, but rather because people tend to adopt similar eating and lifestyle habits as those they spend the most time with. If your social circle engages in unhealthy habits, it can influence your own choices.
These surprising examples illustrate how interconnected our emotions and behaviors are, showing that what we catch from others can extend far beyond just physical illnesses.