Why do we fall into sync with others? Interpersonal synchronization and the brain's optimization principle. (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koban, Leonie; Ramamoorthy, Anand; Konvalinka, Ivana
• Is Part Of: Social neuroscience. Volume 14:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 9
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Social interaction -- prediction -- optimization -- social bonding -- synchronization; Neurosciences -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Social psychology -- Periodicals; Social interaction -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2017.1400463
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-0919

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Spontaneous interpersonal synchronization of rhythmic behavior such as gait or hand clapping is a ubiquitous phenomenon in human interactions, and is potentially important for social relationships and action understanding. Although several authors have suggested a role of the mirror neuron system in interpersonal coupling, the underlying brain mechanisms are not well understood. Here we argue that more general theories of neural computations, namely predictive coding and the Free Energy Principle, could explain interpersonal coordination dynamics. Each brain minimizes coding costs by reducing the mismatch between the representations of observed and own motor behavior. Continuous mutual prediction and alignment result in an overall minimization of free energy, thus forming a stable attractor state.