Residents of San Pedro Manrique, Spain, recently participated in a dramatic annual ritual that showcased the power of collective joy. As they walked across a runway of hot coals with thousands of onlookers cheering them on, participants experienced a profound sense of togetherness, a phenomenon that cognitive anthropologist Dimitris Xygalatas describes as collective effervescence. This feeling, he notes, is not unique to Spain; it can occur in various group activities, from sports events to communal celebrations.
Xygalatas, who is affiliated with the University of Connecticut, has studied this concept extensively, emphasizing that when people engage in meaningful activities together, they often share an emotional connection that can enhance their overall well-being. He recalls experiencing this unity during a soccer match with 30,000 fans in his hometown, highlighting how shared emotions, such as excitement and joy, can create a collective state of being.
Understanding ‘We Mode’
The term “we mode” has emerged in recent discussions about collective joy. Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist at Stanford University, explains that this state can be cultivated to improve one’s life. She describes it as “aerosolized joy,” where individuals can “catch” the positive emotions of others, making shared experiences particularly uplifting.
This notion of physiological synchrony, or the alignment of physical and emotional states among groups, has roots in sociological research dating back more than a century. Emile Durkheim, a French sociologist, originally documented cultural effervescence while studying aboriginal Australian societies. Xygalatas has built upon this foundation by measuring physiological responses during group events, using heart monitors and facial recognition technology. His findings indicate that the heartbeats of spectators at live events synchronize, while those watching from home do not share the same level of connection.
Xygalatas emphasizes that collective rituals, such as those seen in San Pedro Manrique, create vital opportunities for social interaction, which are essential for mental health. He states, “There’s a fundamental need for synchrony,” suggesting that engaging in shared activities fosters a sense of belonging and well-being.
Activities that Foster Collective Joy
To tap into the benefits of “we mode,” McGonigal outlines several key criteria for effective group activities. First, participation should be in person. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people struggled to recreate the same sense of connection through virtual interactions. McGonigal notes that physical presence is crucial for the signals that foster shared emotional states.
Additionally, activities that involve movement and sound—such as cheering, dancing, or singing—are more likely to evoke this collective joy. For example, engaging in group exercise or dancing with others can enhance the feeling of unity compared to being a passive observer at a performance. McGonigal encourages individuals to embrace these experiences fully, letting go of any self-consciousness that might inhibit participation.
To illustrate her point, she advises that “you’ve got to do the wave at the sporting event.” Active involvement is essential for reaping the emotional rewards of communal activities.
In summary, the vibrant ritual in San Pedro Manrique serves as a compelling example of how collective joy can manifest in various forms. By recognizing the importance of shared experiences, individuals can seek out activities that foster connection, ultimately enriching their personal and social lives.
