We are born to imitate, or are we? Humans come into the world with the capacity of reciprocating via copying facial expressions. This is not uniquely human however because animals also use social learning theory, however with animals it is limited to certain periods of their lifespan, it’s almost like an apprenticeship to being an adult.
Human’s use it to adapt to the environment instead of trial and error which would work but would take time, imitation is a relatively quick way to learn something. Social learning theory was introduced to the world of psychology by Albert Bandura. He introduced the terms of vicarious reinforcement which means learning through other people’s consequences, modelling meaning we learn via watching someone and observation and imitation. It helps us transmit culture building on what was previously done and helps provide group cohesion providing in groups. This is done without even realising it such as yawning which is seen as a form of empathy.
To put it simply cultural norms are learnt via primary and secondary socialisation and not inherited. Every society has their own rulebook and though this we learn how to dress, how to speak. Our role models depend entirely on the culture we come from. Someone from an individualist country may admire the self-made entrepreneur whereas someone from a collectivist country may admire the self-sacrificing elder. But these are broad generalisations to illustrate differences between cultures. There are also subcultures and free thinkers and with the rise of globalisation and the internet it’s ever changing. The environment is ever shifting, the internet age has provided a transformation of behaviours to observe, and copy compared to Bandura’s time when life was simpler.
There is also a biological link especially regarding neural underpinnings, it was discovered in primates that there were mirror neurons that link action and perception together. The internet could be said to be almost a new extended phenotype that humans use to extend their toolkit, where social learning operates at a faster rate. This however leads to an evolutionary mismatch with the evolved social instinct.
So how has social learning theory evolved? Are we still born to imitate? Yes, but this time with a different type of wisdom, adapted critical thinking patterns for this new digital age. Whereas the role models previously were limited to the immediate surroundings these days that has been expanded beyond geography. The cultural sphere is adapting faster and faster and that within itself is an evolution. Modelling and imitation are taken from memes and trends, and subcultures are finding new communities. It could be argued that it creates an echo chamber, and some might argue social bonds are deteriorating. There is also an argument that the very popular two-minute TikTok trends has shortened attention spans and led to the popularity of viral and not valuable information. Instead of learning from others most of us just scroll, almost being nudged to certain decisions or choices depending on what is seen to be rewarded.
Despite its limitations there is evolutionary significance in that behaviours that adapt to new environments lead to a thriving society, leading to a cumulative culture. This new evolution in social learning theory has led to global empathy, we are quite simply more aware of what is happening beyond our own geographical region. It has led to different types of role models essential for diversity especially in marginalised communities such as the neurodiverse ones. Social learning theory is now leading digital subcultures where identity and behaviour are shaped which has both its merits and failures. Vicarious reinforcement has now become 24/7, we have feedback almost automatically, once again putting into question the quality of the data we take in.
Our evolutionary instinct to imitate remains, from past to present, all this demonstrating that when it comes to connection humans are forever the students.
Ayten Nevzat is a psychology lecturer with an MSc whose academic interests include cognition, neurodiversity, and health psychology. She promotes critical thinking through a humanistic teaching style and is planning to pursue a PhD in psychology.
