Gamers (Shutterstock photo)
When two people meet in the real world and have a conversation, their brains “act” simultaneously in a similar way. Scientists believe that this unique variety of brain-to-brain neural synchronization helps facilitate empathy and cooperation during face-to-face interactions. Now, groundbreaking new research reports that brain synchronization also occurs during online social interactions.
Simply put, our brains synchronize with others while chatting on social media or playing online video games with them.
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Scientists came to the conclusions following an investigation that analyzed brainwave synchronization between pairs of gamers while playing a racing car game together. It is important to note, the two participants were physically in separate soundproof rooms.
In addition to discovering that brain synchronization occurs during cooperative online gaming, this experiment also found that increased synchronization in the alpha and gamma frequency bands directly leads to better game performance. The researchers add that the relationship between performance and gamma synchronization was continuously visible over time.
“We were able to show that inter-brain phase synchronization can occur without the presence of the other person. This opens up the possibility of investigating the role of this social brain mechanism in online interaction,” says PhD researcher Valteri Wikstrom in a statement from the university.
Screen time has become an unavoidable aspect of modern life, especially during the pandemic. Increased rates of telecommuting, and the growing popularity of social media and online video games, are just two examples. As a result, many teachers, lawmakers, and parents fear that while technology is convenient, it is no substitute for actual face-to-face interactions. In light of these results, however, the authors of the study believe that online social interactions can be beneficial if properly developed and implemented.
“If we can build interactive digital experiences that activate basic mechanisms of empathy, it can lead to better social relations, well-being and productivity on the Internet,” explains project manager Katri Sarikibi.
According to the research team, measurements of both physiological synchronization and collaborative performance can assess the quality of social interactions. Determining which aspects of these interfaces promote understanding and connection can better inform and push future developments in a positive direction.
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