The Power of Brain Synchrony: Why We're 'On the Same Wavelength

If I tell you that we’re on the same wavelength, just know that our brains literally are. New research indicates that when we converse or share an experience, our brain waves synchronize. That brings the term connection to a whole new level. 

 Let’s break that down a little further. What did researchers find when studying our brain waves that brought them to this conclusion?  With what collective neuroscience has consistently found thus far when studying our brains is that neurons fire at the same time and at the same locations in different brains when we connect with one another. An easy way to put it is our neurons dance together and create matching patterns. It’s as though they practiced a dance routine for an upcoming show. Really what is happening is that we are “on the same wavelength” as another person and you can see it all going down if you look at our brain.

Researchers believe this synchrony is good because it helps us interact. So what is brain synchrony? When people are interacting socially, patterns of activity in their brains align. Scientists call this inter brain synchrony. Classrooms are a great example of why this synchrony is beneficial. When students are engaging with their teacher, “their patterns of brain processing begin to align with that teachers” which may mean a better learning experience. Although these are early findings, the research is exciting .