Latest news with #socialbehavior
Telegraph
a day ago
- Health
- Telegraph
The ‘Gen Z stare'? Young people need to get over this limp act of defiance
Hours after trying to explain 'the Gen Z stare' to my mother on Saturday, there it was, coming at me full beam from behind a till. I was in a stationery shop in LA, paying for a notepad, when I spotted ballpoint pens on the counter and remembered that I needed one too. Now Miss Z, let's call her, had already rung up my pad, so when, with an apologetic smile, I added 'and the pen too, please', up came the eyes. As they rested upon me, unblinking and slightly unfocussed, for what felt like a lifetime, I felt my blood freeze in my veins and my throat dry up. A nervous pulse started up at the base of my neck. Adding another hoarse 'please' did nothing, and I considered putting the pen back. The eyes were still on me, still eerily vacant, and at no stage had Miss Z blinked. How had her corneas not dried up? I never got to ask. Tiring, eventually of her own glare, the girl rang up my pen, took my money and went back to scrolling through Depop on her phone. For the past week, there have only been two topics of debate in LA: where you would and wouldn't take a lover to avoid becoming a viral meme, and what 'the Gen Z stare' actually means. According to the New York Times – one of the first to identify the phenomenon – the 'blank, emotionally unreadable expression often seen in social or work settings' on people of that age group is especially popular in the service industry, but not confined to that area. Like the flu, you know when you've had it, and it's not just a look, but a whole culture of sullenness and defiance. It's 'not about a person's lack of ability to communicate' either, but rather a refusal even to try 'with someone who's not using their own brain cells.' Although it definitely comes across as hostile (in a vague, 'really not that bothered' way), some have claimed that its roots 'lie in anxiety ' – while others have blamed it on screen usage, the Covid-19 pandemic and, weirdly, vaping. Whatever its causes, 'the Gen Z stare' is fuelling a generational feud. It's not about to disappear, either, because the more that limp little act of revolt is written about and dissected, the more Gen Z will weaponise those eyeballs.
New York Times
09-07-2025
- Science
- New York Times
How Elephants Say They Like Them Apples
If you give an elephant an apple, she's going to want some more. But how can she get through to the nearby humans who are keeping those luscious treats away from her? After working with elephants in Zimbabwe, researchers reported that the animals are capable of making very deliberate gestures to communicate that desire for more. Their study was published Wednesday in the journal Royal Society Open Science. In the study of the evolution of language and other forms of communication, researchers have long been interested in whether nonhuman animals use gestures. That's because gestures can reveal to what extent individuals are aware of the attention and inner state of others. Identifying creatures that use movement to elicit behavior from others can help reveal how and when, in the family tree of life, complex communication evolved. Many studies about gestures focus on primates. But elephants are another natural subject for this research because they live in groups and have elaborate social lives. Perhaps they, too, use movement to communicate. To understand the research, think of how humans get others to do what they want. Vesta Eleuteri, a researcher at the University of Vienna and the study's lead author, explained how she might signal to a friend non-verbally to pass her a bottle of water. 'I first check if you are looking at me,' she said. 'If you are looking at me, I might point at the bottle.' After that signal, 'I wait for you to react. If you don't react, I persist. I might reach toward the bottle, I might wave toward the bottle. Once you give me the bottle, I stop gesturing.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Telegraph
08-07-2025
- Science
- Telegraph
Chimps follow social fads like humans, study finds
Chimpanzees adopt pointless fads, just like humans, researchers have found. The animals were seen wearing grass and sticks in their ears, after copying the habit from other chimps. The practice serves no purpose and shows chimps are capable of socially transmitting arbitrary customs, making them more like humans than previously thought. Dr Jake Brooker of Durham University, said: 'What's remarkable is that these customs have no obvious utility. 'This isn't about cracking nuts or fishing for termites – it's more like chimpanzee fashion. 'It mirrors how human cultural fads spread: someone starts doing something, others copy it, and it becomes part of the group identity even if it serves no clear purpose.' Spontaneous behaviour Researchers spotted the strange behaviour while observing 147 chimpanzees across eight social groups living in the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage in Zambia, Africa. The team discovered that five of the eight chimpanzees in the group started inserting grass or small sticks into their ears, while six began doing the same with their rectums. The behaviour – which has never been seen in the wild – appeared spontaneously and spread rapidly. Dr Edwin van Leeuwen of Utrecht University, the Netherlands, said: 'In captivity, they have more free time than in the wild. 'They don't have to stay as alert or spend as much time searching for food. Why they do exactly this particular thing, I'm not really concerned about. 'But they are copying the behaviour from each other, that is the important insight.' Culture predates humans The findings suggest that culture may have evolved far earlier than humans, and that the roots of symbolic shared behaviour is embedded in primates. Dr Brooker added: 'In copying these quirky actions, the chimpanzees may be helping strengthen social bonds or signal group belonging. That's something we see in human fads too. 'By studying the seemingly odd but socially meaningful behaviours of chimpanzees, we gain powerful insights into how our own cultures may have evolved. 'Our findings demonstrate just how much we still share with our primate cousins, and challenge the idea that symbolic or arbitrary traditions are uniquely human.'
Forbes
12-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
4 Signs You've Given Into ‘Herd Mentality' — By A Psychologist
In the quest to fit in, we sometimes lose our true selves, getting swept up in 'herd mentality' — ... More following the crowd, even when it goes against our own compass. Humans are inherently social beings, wired to connect and belong. This need for belonging strongly influences our behavior, especially in group settings. Social conformity — the tendency to align our attitudes, beliefs or actions with those of a group — is a deeply ingrained survival mechanism. While conforming to social norms can elicit acceptance, this drive can backfire when conformity overshadows personal values or erodes our sense of identity. In social settings, 'herd mentality' — following the crowd even when it conflicts with your true self — might show up as pressure from an influential friend, a popular trend or social expectations pushing you toward choices you wouldn't make independently. This could look like feeling obligated to attend events you don't enjoy, adopting beliefs you don't fully agree with or compromising your values to avoid judgment or exclusion. Recognizing when social conformity turns unhealthy is key to preserving your authenticity. Here are four signs that herd mentality may be influencing your life. If you're frequently second-guessing your choices, especially after group interactions, self-doubt may be taking center stage in your life. This persistent uncertainty often signals that you're relying heavily on others for validation, which can create a cycle of doubt where each new opinion makes you question your own. This cycle can be exhausting and disorienting. When we look to others for reassurance, it's easy to lose our own sense of direction. For example, you may feel confident in a decision only to question it the moment someone else offers a differing opinion. Over time, this erodes your self-confidence, making you feel hesitant to make decisions or express your preferences independently. It's as if you're standing on shifting ground, unable to root yourself firmly because your sense of self relies on the ever-changing perspectives of those around you. Breaking out of this pattern begins with recognizing it. Before making choices, pause and reflect on your values to practice 'Values-Centric Decision-Making.' Social research shows that our core values, like honesty or creativity, act as personal anchors, helping guide us toward authentic decisions. Ask yourself: Does this align with my values, or am I just trying to fit in? Writing down your key values and referring to them when you feel pressured can help ground your decisions in what truly matters to you. If you find yourself avoiding topics, people or activities to dodge judgment, it may indicate that your decisions lean more toward seeking approval than honoring your own preferences. This need for validation often leads to self-censorship, preventing you from expressing your true thoughts and values. When fear of disapproval takes the wheel, it can create an ongoing disconnect between your authentic self and the persona you show the world. For example, you might shy away from sharing a hobby you enjoy if it's not popular within your circle, or avoid expressing views that differ from the group's. Over time, this habit of reshaping yourself to fit in can leave you feeling dissatisfied and inauthentic. Recognizing this pattern is essential for reclaiming your sense of self. A 2023 study published in Personality and Individual Differences, involving nearly 17,000 participants reveals that those who frequently seek external approval often experience less relationship satisfaction, heightened conflict and a persistent sense of insecurity. Embracing your unique perspectives and interests can lead to more genuine connections, as others see the real you — not just the version crafted to gain acceptance. Regret often stems from prioritizing others' expectations over your own boundaries. For example, you might agree with others to avoid conflict or laugh at jokes that don't resonate with you. Over time, these small compromises create inner tension between your true self and the persona you feel pressured to project, undermining your authenticity and self-confidence. This regret can trigger self-criticism as you replay events in your mind, wondering what you could have done differently. While reflecting on social interactions is normal, persistent regret suggests the need to reassess what feels right for you. Ignoring these feelings can lead to resentment, exhaustion and burnout from socializing. A 2022 study published in Journal of Happiness Studies found that individuals with low self-regulatory abilities tend to experience more frequent regret, which can diminish life satisfaction. This pattern leads to unproductive rumination, further affecting well-being. To stay true to yourself, recognize these patterns and set small boundaries to honor your needs. By affirming your preferences, you can navigate social interactions more authentically, leaving you with a sense of contentment rather than regret. Over time, this approach encourages deeper, more meaningful relationships that reflect who you truly are. Keeping up with trends can be enjoyable and help you connect with others, but feeling compelled to follow every fad — even those that don't genuinely interest you — may signal you're overly influenced by external pressures. Social media and peer influence often amplify this pressure, setting unspoken standards around fashion, lifestyle, TV shows and hobbies. You might find yourself buying trendy items, watching popular shows or discussing the latest topics — not out of true interest but from a fear of missing out or feeling out of place. This drive to stay 'in the loop' can pull you away from your authentic self, leading to a lifestyle that reflects others' preferences rather than your own, resulting in emptiness and dissatisfaction. Consistently deferring to external opinions can also weaken your ability to listen to your inner voice, leaving you feeling like you're on autopilot and seeking validation from others. Instead of avoiding trends altogether, try to pause and ask if they genuinely align with your values and interests. Reflecting on what feels authentic helps you reclaim your identity and make choices that truly satisfy you. When you struggle to voice your true preferences or opinions without looking to others for cues, it may be a sign that social conformity is blurring your sense of self. Over time, this can lead to living by others' expectations, creating inner conflict and a sense of disconnection from who you really are. Embracing clarity starts with intentional self-reflection and choosing actions and decisions that resonate with your own values. Remember, resisting herd mentality doesn't mean rejecting your social circles. It's more about honoring your individuality while nurturing connections that feel authentic. With this balance, you can build a life that reflects your true self, grounded in confidence and enriched by meaningful relationships. Can you be your authentic self in relationships or are you always catering to others' needs? Take this science-backed test to learn more: Authenticity In Relationships Scale
