Theory of Contagion

The Theory of Contagion suggests that behaviors, ideas, or emotions can spread from person to person much like a virus. When people interact, they influence each other’s feelings or choices, leading to patterns or trends across groups or societies. This process highlights how social connections and proximity facilitate the transmission of these influences, shaping collective behavior over time. Essentially, it views human interactions as pathways through which mental states and behaviors can "infect" others, contributing to widespread social phenomena.