What binds us? Inter-brain neural synchronization and its implications for theories of human consciousness
Neuroscience of Consciousness January 1, 2020 A. Valencia, Tom Froese
Neural oscillations synchronize across brains during meaningful social interaction, and this inter-brain synchronization correlates with subjective reports of social connectedness, engagement, cooperativeness, social cohesion, and self-other merging. These findings challenge the view of human consciousness as essentially first-person singular and private. The authors argue that evidence of inter-brain synchronization in the fastest frequency bands overcomes the most convincing skeptical position against extended consciousness. If correct, this would profoundly transform understanding of human consciousness. The authors propose a method to test this proposal experimentally.