Seriously, there was a special about this on the discovery health channel, is cheating genetic?

Question

Serious answers only please. there was a special on this on the discovery health channel and i missed it. i just want to know if anyone saw it and know... is cheating genetic? i really wanted to watch that special but had to leave the house. this was several months ago but i just didnt know if anyone would remember the show. it wasnt covered on the website. thanks.

Answer 1

I didn't see the show, but I've certainly read about the theory. It's part of what's called evolutionary psychology.

It tries to find and explain human behaviors based on whether or not those behaviors would have caused groups or individuals who engaged in them to have a better chance of reproducing, thereby passing on any genetic coding that may have existed to more offspring.

While I find the theory interesting, and worth thinking about, human behavior is based on so many things that there is, so far, no really credible way to show that certain complex behaviors are genetic. Nor is there any way to prove that some behavior that means something to us now would have added to a group or individual's reproductive success in the past.

I'm sure they, because it was The Discovery Channel, did suggest strongly that the evidence points to cheating being an adaptation that increases the likelihood of reproductive success, but you must remember that *their* success depends on appealing to a large number of people, not looking with an unbiased eye at complex theories.

So if you make the choice to cheat, I don't think you can yet get away with blaming your ancestors. ;-)

Answer 2

i saw the show and it had some connections that could explain how cheeting could be genetic, but i dont beleieve this personally. I mean i see the only reason a person cheats is they get bored with what they have already. You hear more and more each day about men and wemon whom cheat on their spouses. Heres the way i see it, and i am young, DONT GET MARRIED IF YOUR GONNA GET BORED......You know if this is you, been with many beautiful girls only to find your self bored after the conquest.. well your not made to get married, so save the feelings of a caring woman or man and do not marry them. Save them the harmful future they may encounter with you!

Answer 3

Wow wish I could help you. I'd like to know the answer to this question myself. My guess would be that it isn't genitic but possibly linked to how one is raised...the whole nature vs. nurture debate. As the saying goes, the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree. Please bear in mind that this is my opinion and I have nothing factual to back this up.

Answer 4

Didn't see the show myself, but I consider that hogwash. Let's blame everything else but one's own lack of character. People need to take personal responsibility for their own actions.

Answer 5

Few sites:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=1469078
http://www.officer.com/news/IBS/wews/news-2475917.html
http://www.bec.ucla.edu/BECFaculty.htm