First predict, then bond: Rethinking the function of mimicry from prediction to affiliation in human and non-human animals

Abstract

Automatic mimicry, where social animals mimic the emotional expressions of others, is a well-documented phenomenon. While research has extensively examined how being mimicked influences our perception of others, the fundamental question of why we mimic remains largely unexplored. Previous theories often link mimicry with an affiliative social goal. While we agree that mimicry can increase survival chances by enhancing group cohesion, we argue for a more primitive adaptive value that may operate independently of social bonding. By reviewing existing literature, we propose that mimicry serves as a mechanism to predict other individuals, and consequently, the environment, enhancing survival of the individual. We posit a shift towards understanding mimicry as a mechanism that minimizes prediction error, empowering individuals to navigate their surroundings more effectively. Embracing mimicry as a tool for self-preservation and environmental prediction opens new avenues for interdisciplinary research in comparative psychology and behavioral ecology.

Keywords: Emotional contagion; Evolutionary adaptation; Mimicry; Predictive brain; Social cognition.