Why We Click

Have you ever met someone and felt an immediate connection? Are there people in your life who always seem to lift your spirits, while others just as reliably drag you down? Do people actually emit vibes? Are bad habits contagious? In Why We Click, bestselling author Kate Murphy explores the emerging science of interpersonal synchrony – the most important social dynamic most people have never heard of. This seemingly magical yet science-backed phenomenon is fundamental to human connection, bonding and attachment. By subconsciously mimicking one another’s movements, facial expressions and gestures – not to mention syncing our heart rates, blood pressure, pupil dilation and brainwaves – we internalize and develop empathy for one another. Weaving together science, philosophy, history, literature, pop culture and plenty of real-world examples, Murphy reveals that our emotions, moods, attitudes and subsequent behaviours can be contagious – and can have a profound impact on our health and well-being. With curiosity, concision and wit, Murphy uncovers why being ‘in tune’ and ‘on the same wavelength’ are more than just turns of phrase and offers a new way of thinking about our everyday human interactions.