Human beings are social by nature. Relationships have continued to play a critical role in survival, cultural development, and emotional well-being, whether it be the close-knit tribes of our hunter-gatherer ancestors or the sprawling digital networks of the 21st century.
Friendships are not simply an avenue of joy, but a stress reliever, a predictor of longevity, and even a contributor to cognitive health. But what causes the desire to connect at such extremes as friendships?
While psychologists have for a long time emphasized nurturing and shared experiences, one very engaging question remains: Could social behaviors, especially friendships, form any part of the DNA blueprint?
The concept of a ‘friendship gene’ suggests that environmental influence and free will have limitations. To some extent, there is a genetic ‘code’ that tailors people to seek out specific relational types while thriving in particular social settings.
This article explores the cutting-edge science behind social bonding – including the genetic, evolutionary, and ethical aspects behind one of the most fundamental qualities of mankind. Prepare yourself to completely reevaluate the meaning of socialization and, most critically, whether relationships are anchored in Biology.
The Chemistry of Connection: Genes Behind Social Behaviour
The neurochemical exploration starts with oxytocin, which is often referred to as the ‘love hormone,’ along with maternal bonding, romantic relationships, and trust. OXTR, the gene responsible for the oxytocin receptor, has become an area of focus for researchers studying social behaviors. There are certain variations in this gene that have been linked to differences in empathy, social sensitivity, and longevity such as the rs53576 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).
People with the GG genotype of this polymorphism were found to be more socially adept and emotionally stable than those with AA or AG variants according to a 2010 publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Likewise, the development and expression of the arginine vasopressin receptor 1A gene (AVPR1A) are responsible for social behaviors such as loyalty and altruism. The prairie vole is a monogamous species of rodent that exhibits variation AVPR1A, which determines whether they form lifelong pair bonds or lead a more solitary life. In humans, AVPR1A polymorphisms have been found to correlate with traits that reflect social bonding such as generosity and satisfaction in marriage, showing that social bonding has a genetic basis across species.
Dopamine and serotonin systems are attributed to being motivated socially. The dopamine receptor D2 gene (DRD2), which is involved in the reward mechanism, is presumed to provide social experiences with their cherished “buzz.”
At the same time, the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) polymorphisms affect social phobia and risk-taking traits. All these lead us to think that there is no single ‘friendship’ gene, but rather a number of genes which work in harmony to promote social interaction.
Evolutionary Perspectives: Why Would Social Genes Exist?
If such genes that determine one’s social behavior do exist, what was the evolutionary need for them? Evolutionary biologists argue that social interaction had clear benefits for survival. Kin selection theory dictates that altruistic behavior towards relatives results in heightened chances of passing on genes to the next generation. The desire to help others expecting assistance in return (Reciprocal altruism) in the remote past aided the formation of early human groups to promote sharing of resources and protection.
Primatologist Robin Dunbar’s ‘social brain hypothesis’ takes it a step further by correlating the increased expansion of the human neocortex to the need for maintaining sophisticated social relationships. Socially important traits such as empathy and communication may have been selected for.
A 2018 study published in Nature Communications Cancer described the social cognition ensuring genes in primates such as CD38 and GAL that aip us understand how deeply rooted bonding is in our evolutionary history.
However, evolution has two sides to it. While these prosocial traits may have been beneficial at one point, antisocial traits such as aggression or selfishness would have thrived in these competitive environments. This situation reveals the fine line that exists between the individual and group dynamics that forms our genes.
How Much Is Genetic: Nature Vs. Nurture
The heritable nature of social traits can be better understood using twin studies. Comparisons of identical and fraternal twins suggest that nearly 40-60 % of the social behavior variance which includes extroverted people, agreeable individuals, and people who are satisfied in relationships, is determined by genetics. A 2015 study of Behavior Genetics found the performance of children was determined by approximately 47% of prenatal factors.
However, genes do not restrict one’s potential, they are just one factor influencing it. It is known that epigenetics, which is the effect that the surrounding environment has on gene activity, proves that childhood encounters, traumas, and societal beliefs can enhance or diminish these social traits. For instance, abuse during someone’s childhood can decrease their trust in others because it can inhibit the oxytocin pathways. On the other hand, positive settings can trigger the genetic pathways responsible for sociability.
The global setting also makes this subject more complex. Empathic genetic traits may be stronger in collectivist societies that foster unity than individualistic ones. This sets a new dimension to the wiping off of genetics from the sociocultural environment.
Ethical Dilemmas: Understanding Genetic Determinism
The idea of a “friendship gene” gives birth to some disturbing ethical issues. Would social genetic screening not lead to discrimination in education, employment, or relationships? Look forward into the future where parents select each embryo with OXTR variants, reminiscent of eugenics in the early 20th century.
Moreover, child friendship can be narrowed down into simplified genetics which risks oversimplifying the human condition. While shared laughter and mutual hardship creates an unbreakable bond, many other social aspects play a role. Genetic determinism could foster pessimism instead of growth by carrying the weight of denying personal accountability with a “I’m just not wired for friends” ideology.
The positive side has great potential. The understanding of genetic vulnerabilities could develop into tailored therapies for those suffering from autism, social anxiety disorder, and schizophrenia. Pharmacogenomics may one day customize oxytocin nasal sprays or SSRIs to a specific individual’s genetic requirements bringing hope to the introverted.
Beyond Single Genes : The Polyphonic Orchestra of Social Behavior
The “friendship gene” singlehandedly has been debunked by modern genomics. Supporting this claim, social bonding is evolved by hundreds of genes interacting with environmental cues. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have recognized more than 1200 loci associated with social features, each contributing a rather insignificant amount. The reason as to why no single gene accounts for whether an individual will become a loner or charismatic leader is due to polygenic nature.
GxE is also an emerging area of research that continues to blur the gaps. Supportive environments allowed certain OXTR variants to thrive socially, while others just floundered under tough conditions according to a study conducted in 2021 in Molecular Psychiatry. Genetic context is not the only determinant of resilience. There is an intricate relationship between DNA and real life experiences which defines a person’s context.
The Future of Friendship : Where Do We Go From Here?
Humanity is now facing an intersection with the evolving CRISPR technology and AI powered genomics. Will we trigger social hierarchies with genetic improvement or use it to engineer connections? A commitment needs to be integrated with ethical vigilance to consider genetics just one strand.
Contact the Author In as much as the genetic influence is important, it is but a chapter within a wider narrative that is sculpted by culture, history and individual’s choices. While the search for a ‘friendship gene’ will teach us a lot about humanity, it also fueled the imagination as the overwhelming nature of DNA often does.
Genetics play an undeniable role when it comes to social bonding, however, the quest alone for a friendship gene speaks volumes about humanity as a whole. One genetic molecule will not be able to express or define friendship. One tries to reason with the holistic experience of partnership that speaks volumes more than the simple act of social bonding; a shared experience of understanding, vulnerability, together with the joy of moments. This stands to show that friendship is a delicate matter intricately tied together with miles.
Genes are, in the end, but a small part of the entire equation, the most important part lies within the human. Maybe the intricate code known as a ‘friendship gene’ does not exist, however, the resulting action from millions of years of evolution exists, prompting one to connect and reach out. It is one that calls to action, begging for someone to answer. The theory of everything proves there exists a code and that very code influences everything hence the reason our genes set the stage.
