Why Do We Cry? - Glad You Asked S1

Summary

This video explores the emotional and physiological aspects of crying, blending personal experiences with expert insights. David Phillips shares his unique method of tracking his tears in a spreadsheet, revealing how media, personal life, and human connections trigger emotions. Experts discuss the anatomy of crying and its evolutionary roots, including the role of tears in human vulnerability and empathy. The video also delves into the psychological benefits of crying, the cultural significance of emotional expression, and the science behind why some tears are triggered by joy, loss, or shared experiences. Ultimately, it highlights the complex relationship between crying, connection, and emotional health.

Takeaways

• 😀 Crying is an emotional and physiological response that humans uniquely experience, often linked to vulnerability and emotional expression.
• 😀 Most tears are triggered by emotions, but humans also cry in response to physical irritants, such as onion vapors, due to the lacrimal system.
• 😀 The lacrimal system involves glands and ducts that produce and drain tears from the eyes, which sometimes overflow when the system can't process them fast enough.
• 😀 Humans are the only species known to cry emotional tears. This ability evolved as a survival mechanism to communicate vulnerability and need for care.
• 😀 Crying is often linked to empathy—people tend to cry when they witness others' emotional distress, as evidenced by the emotional response to others' tears.
• 😀 Many people find crying cathartic, although there is no clear physiological explanation for why crying can make someone feel better.
• 😀 Emotional crying may be a form of self-soothing, and Dr. Meena Dasari suggests that moderation in crying, alongside other coping strategies, is healthy.
• 😀 Crying is not only about sadness—it can also occur in positive emotional situations, often driven by joy, love, or surprise intimacy.
• 😀 Research has shown that emotional tears, especially those of joy or empathy, are linked to a distinct emotion known as 'kama muta' (moved by love).
• 😀 Societal attitudes towards crying vary, with some cultures seeing it as a sign of weakness, while others encourage emotional expression as a healthy form of communication.
• 😀 Studies suggest that countries with higher levels of well-being and freedom (such as Western nations) tend to report more frequent crying, indicating that emotional expression is linked to a sense of personal freedom rather than distress.

Q & A

Why did David Phillips create a spreadsheet tracking his tears?

David created the spreadsheet to better understand the emotional and physiological reasons behind his tears. He was curious about the role crying played in his life, as he found it to be a transformative experience that helped him process emotions, especially in vulnerable moments.

What is the lacrimal system, and how does it relate to crying?

The lacrimal system consists of the lacrimal glands and the tear ducts. The lacrimal glands produce tears that help wash away irritants from the eye. When these tears are produced in excess, they overflow, causing crying. The system is essential for emotional and physical responses to stimuli.

What did Joss learn about the evolution of crying?

Joss discovered that humans are unique in crying emotional tears, a trait likely linked to our evolutionary need for social bonding. The emotional aspect of crying may have developed as a signal for help, as seen in infants who cry to attract attention and ensure their survival.

How does crying serve a social purpose?

Crying helps humans communicate emotional vulnerability and need for support. It has a social function, signaling to others when we are in distress or need assistance. This evolved from infant crying, which was crucial for survival and bonding with caregivers.

What does the research suggest about the relationship between crying and mental health?

Research suggests that crying can be a healthy way to release emotions, especially when done in moderation and combined with other coping strategies. However, there is no clear physiological mechanism that links crying directly to improved mental health. Some studies suggest that crying can be cathartic but isn't essential for mental well-being.

What was the most common trigger for David's tears according to his spreadsheet?

The most common trigger for David's tears was media, including TV shows, movies, podcasts, and articles. About 37% of his tears were also linked to personal life events, showing that both external and personal factors play a significant role in emotional responses.

What role do empathy and gender play in the frequency of crying?

Empathy is a key factor in the frequency of crying, with research showing that women and girls tend to cry more often than men and boys, likely due to higher empathy scores. Studies suggest that women cry more frequently across various cultures, potentially due to both biological and social factors.

What is the emotion 'kama muta', and how is it related to crying?

Kama muta is a Sanskrit term meaning 'moved by love' and refers to the intense emotion people feel when experiencing sudden closeness or communal bonding. This feeling can trigger tears, as people are moved by acts of kindness, love, or emotional connection, often leading to tears of joy, empathy, or a combination of emotions.

Why do some people experience tears of joy or positive tears?

Tears of joy or positive tears often arise when emotions like happiness, gratitude, or love are intensified by a sudden or surprising event, such as a reunion with a loved one or witnessing acts of kindness. These tears are not just a sign of happiness but often reflect a deeper emotional release, blending positive and sometimes bittersweet feelings.

What did Joss find surprising about crying in different cultures?

Joss found it surprising that the frequency of crying in different countries didn't correlate with the levels of distress or unhappiness. In fact, wealthier and more democratic countries tended to report crying more often. This suggests that crying may be more related to the freedom and ability to express emotions openly rather than external factors like poverty or depression.