Why is yawning contagious?

Answer 1

I’m not sure, but when I saw this question I yawned. Very strange.

Edit: Maybe it’s the thought of it and you just can’t resist.

Answer 2

The answer is, no one really knows why yawning is "contagious". Or why we yawn at all. One popular explanation is that yawning allows you to get rid of too much carbon dioxide in your system and increase your oxygen supply. This was disproved by Dr. Robert Provine and his research team in 1987.

Now scientists are wondering if yawning is from our deep past -- part of our evolutionary history. Did a yawn signal to the group that it was time for everyone to retire to the trees and snooze? Did a yawn signal that we were all feeling cozy and warm about each other? Did a yawn signal something more like, "Gee, I know how you're feeling, I feel that way too."

Between 40 and 60 percent of the population seems to find yawning contagious. Researchers at the State University of New York conducted a series of yawning experiments. They determined that being self-aware (the ability to recognize oneself) and having the ability to see things from someone else's viewpoint means a person is more likely to find yawning contagious.

Now you're thinking, what humans are not self-aware? Schizophrenics sometimes have trouble with self-recognition so they will not find yawning contagious. Babies won't yawn contagiously until they're more than a year old.

Some birds and reptiles yawn. Most mammals yawn. My dog yawns, but that doesn't make me yawn -- I obviously cannot put myself in her paw prints. (But who can empathize with a creature that sleeps all day, then when she does bother to get up and join you on a walk, suddenly bolts after a squirrel and nearly tears your arm out of your socket? I have no idea what's going on in that dog's mind.)

Chimpanzees yawn too, and in fact, if they watch other chimps yawn, they're more likely to yawn too.

So, I guess the real answer is: who knows?

Answer 3

I think the Mythbusters showed that this, at best, is inconclusive. When yawning seems to be contagious is most likely in situations when a lot of people present are likely to yawn anyway. Try yawning at an exciting event and see how quickly (or not) it spreads....

Answer 4

I think it's the power of suggestion. People sometimes do that with coughing too...yaaaaaawn! man, see what you made me do!;))