Understanding the Psychology Behind Our Cringe Reactions
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Chapter 1: The Nature of Cringe
When we witness someone engaging in an embarrassing act, it may reveal more about our own feelings than those of the person involved.
Photo: Abigail Keenan
By Benjamin Powers
Recently, Pete Buttigieg, a candidate in the Democratic presidential primary, has gained traction on social media—not for his political achievements, but for a viral dance video featuring his campaign's walk-on song, "High Hopes" by Panic! at the Disco.
This dance routine, performed by his supporters during a campaign event, has sparked considerable discussion and even a Guardian article questioning whether it represents the "cringiest trend of the campaign season." The choreography includes sequences of clapping, arm pumping, and hand motions that some find hard to watch.
The term “cringe” often brings to mind feelings of awkwardness or embarrassment. A more nuanced psychological concept that captures this sensation is known as vicarious embarrassment. This phenomenon occurs when we feel a sense of embarrassment on behalf of others, even when we are not directly involved.
Section 1.1: What is Vicarious Embarrassment?
Vicarious embarrassment refers to the discomfort we experience when witnessing someone else act in a socially awkward manner. This response can often prevent some individuals from enjoying certain films due to the cringe-worthy scenes they portray. The recent “High Hopes” dance trend has been met with strong reactions online, where many users express their unease.
According to Rowland Miller, a psychology professor and author of "Embarrassment: Poise and Peril in Everyday Life," this form of embarrassment can also be understood as empathetic embarrassment. This occurs when we imagine ourselves in the place of someone who is doing something potentially humiliating, like an actor forgetting their lines on stage.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Science Behind Vicarious Embarrassment
Dr. Laura Müller-Pinzler, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Lübeck, explains that vicarious embarrassment can arise when individuals are unaware of their own awkwardness. This often happens when different social standards are at play, as might be seen with the "High Hopes" dance.
Müller-Pinzler highlights that this type of embarrassment activates brain regions associated with emotions and pain, as well as the mentalizing network, which helps us comprehend how others might feel. When we see adults performing an absurd dance, we may cringe because it feels inappropriate given the context.
Section 1.2: The Function of Embarrassment
Embarrassment serves as a social signal indicating a breach of norms, signaling to others that the individual regrets their actions. Miller points out that our concern for others' opinions can lead to feelings of distress when we observe others experiencing embarrassment.
Interestingly, the intensity of vicarious embarrassment can vary based on our relationship with the person involved. For instance, witnessing a stranger's faux pas may elicit a mild reaction, while seeing a close friend make a social blunder could result in a more intense feeling of discomfort.
Chapter 2: The Personal Impact of Cringe
The first video titled "Cringe Humor - Why We Like To Watch People Embarrass Themselves" explores the psychological elements that make us drawn to cringe-worthy moments.
The second video, "Why Being Embarrassed Is Good For You," delves into the positive aspects of experiencing embarrassment and how it can foster connection and empathy.
Miller observes that those who find the "High Hopes" dance cringe-worthy often do so because they believe they would never participate in such an act themselves. This highlights an interesting aspect of human psychology: the dancers may be enjoying themselves without feeling embarrassed, while observers project their own insecurities onto the situation.
So, the next time you witness someone making a social faux pas or you feel the urge to retreat during an awkward moment, remember: it’s often a reflection of your own feelings rather than a judgment on them.