The unintentional spreading of a behavior as a result of social interactions is referred to as _____________.
A) meme propagation
B) social contagion
C) the HPA axis
D) peer mimicking

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Social contagion refers to the unintentional spreading of a behavior as a result of social interactions, where the behavior can pass from person to person like a contagious disease. A meme is a cultural unit, such as an idea, behavior, or style, that is passed from person to person within a society. The HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) is a physiological process that regulates stress response in the body. Peer mimicking is a behavior where an individual imitates the actions or attitudes of their peers. While all of these concepts are related to social behavior, only social contagion accurately describes this specific phenomenon.

The Unintentional Spreading of a Behavior as a Result of Social