Unlocking the Power of Collective Effervescence: The “We Mode” Phenomenon
In the small town of San Pedro Manrique, Spain, a unique ritual takes place every June, where residents walk on burning embers, often carrying another person on their back, as thousands of onlookers cheer them on. This annual event is a prime example of collective effervescence, a phenomenon where individuals come together to experience a shared sense of joy, togetherness, and unity. Dimitris Xygalatas, a cognitive anthropologist at the University of Connecticut, has studied this ritual and notes that it’s not just the participants who feel this sense of connection, but also the spectators.
Xygalatas has experienced similar feelings of collective effervescence while attending soccer matches, where the energy of the crowd creates an electric atmosphere. He describes this phenomenon as “we mode,” a state where individuals become one with the group, sharing emotions and experiences. This concept has been referred to as physiological synchrony or collective joy, and has been documented by French sociologist Emile Durkheim over a century ago.
Kelly McGonigal, a Stanford University health psychologist, notes that “we mode” can be cultivated to improve one’s life. She describes it as a state where people are connected through shared positive emotions, creating a sense of joy that’s contagious. This can be experienced in various activities, such as concerts, group exercise classes, or religious festivals.
Cultivating “We Mode” in Daily Life
So, how can we tap into this collective joy in our daily lives? McGonigal suggests that activities should be in-person, allowing for physical presence and shared signals. Making noise and moving one’s body, whether through cheering, applause, or dance, can also help create this sense of collective joy. Letting go of shame or self-consciousness and fully participating in the activity is also crucial.
Xygalatas’ research has shown that people’s physiological responses synchronize during exciting events, such as sports games. The heartbeats of fans attending a game sync up, while those watching the same game on TV do not. This highlights the importance of physical presence in creating collective joy.
By incorporating activities that promote collective joy into our daily lives, we can cultivate a sense of connection and togetherness. Whether it’s attending a concert, joining a group fitness class, or participating in a community event, “we mode” has the potential to improve our overall well-being and create lasting memories.
Read more about the concept of “we mode” and its benefits Here
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