Fascinating new paper out in the journal Neuron on the biochemical reasons why it feels so good to go along with the consensus:
Reinforcement Learning Signal Predicts Social Conformity
Vasily Klucharev, et al.
Summary
We often change our decisions and judgments to conform with normative group behavior. However, the neural mechanisms of social conformity remain unclear. Here we show, using functional magnetic resonance imaging, that conformity is based on mechanisms that comply with principles of reinforcement learning. We found that individual judgments of facial attractiveness are adjusted in line with group opinion. Conflict with group opinion triggered
a neuronal response in the rostral cingulate zone and the ventral striatum similar to the
prediction error
signal suggested by neuroscientific models of reinforcement learning. The amplitude of the conflict-related signal predicted subsequent conforming behavioral adjustments. Furthermore, the individual amplitude of the conflict-related signal in the ventral striatum correlated with differences in conforming behavior across subjects. These findings provide evidence that social group norms evoke conformity via learning mechanisms reflected in the activity of the rostral cingulate zone and ventral striatum.
Translation: Agreeing with people makes you feel high.
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