Humans are social creatures by nature. From the dawn of time, we have lived in groups or communities, relying on each other for survival and forming deep bonds that shape our identity and behavior. For centuries, it was believed that our social instincts were predetermined, hardwired into our brains, and unchangeable. However, recent research has challenged this long-held belief, revealing that our understanding of social instincts was wrong.
But before delving into the evidence that supports this claim, let’s first understand what social instincts are. Simply put, social instincts are our innate tendencies that guide and influence our social behavior. These include our ability to communicate, empathize, form relationships, and cooperate with others. These instincts are believed to be genetically inherited and unchangeable, determining how we interact with the world.
For many years, scientists believed that social instincts were primarily driven by genes and that our social behavior was predetermined. However, this theory was challenged in the 1960s by psychologist Albert Bandura, who proposed the social learning theory. He argued that humans learn and develop their social behaviors through observation, imitation, and reinforcement from their environment. This theory opened the door for further research into the malleability of social instincts.
One of the most significant pieces of evidence that challenge our understanding of social instincts is the study of identical twins raised in different environments. Identical twins share 100% of their genes and were previously thought to have similar personalities and social behaviors. However, studies have shown that twins raised in different environments show remarkable differences in their personalities and social behaviors. This suggests that environmental factors play a significant role in shaping our social instincts.
Furthermore, recent research in neuroplasticity has revealed that our brain is not as fixed as we once thought. Our brains have the ability to adapt and change in response to our environment and experiences. This means that even our social instincts are not predetermined but can be shaped and altered through our experiences.
Moreover, studies have shown that social behavior varies across different cultures, challenging the idea of universal social instincts. For example, individualistic cultures value independence and self-expression, while collectivistic cultures emphasize interdependence and conformity. This suggests that our social instincts are heavily influenced by our cultural upbringing and not solely determined by our genes.
But what does this new understanding of social instincts mean for us as individuals? It means that we have the ability to change and shape our social behavior. We are not limited by our genetics, and our potential for growth and development is endless. This knowledge can be empowering, especially for those who struggle with social interactions.
So, how can we harness this new understanding of social instincts in our daily lives? Here are a few ways:
1. Be mindful of your environment: As mentioned earlier, our environment plays a significant role in shaping our social instincts. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the people you surround yourself with and the culture you immerse yourself in.
2. Practice empathy: Empathy is a vital social instinct that allows us to understand and share the feelings of others. It is also a skill that can be learned and improved upon through practice. By putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes, we can expand our social instincts and build stronger relationships.
3. Seek new experiences: Our brains have the ability to adapt and change, but only if we expose ourselves to new experiences. Trying new things not only broadens our perspectives but also helps us develop new social skills and instincts.
In conclusion, our understanding of social instincts has evolved significantly over the years. We now know that these instincts are not predetermined but can be shaped and altered through our environment and experiences. This newfound knowledge offers us the opportunity for growth and development, empowering us to reach our full potential as social beings. So let go of the idea that everything we knew about social instincts was right and embrace the exciting possibilities that come with this new understanding.
