THE BIOLOGICAL ROOTS OF SOCIALITY: HOW THE EVOLUTION OF THE BRAIN AND BODY TOOK US FROM GROOMING TO SOCIAL MEDIA

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive theoretical interdisciplinary analysis of the biological and evolutionary origins of human sociality, which is considered a fundamental survival strategy for the Homo sapiens species. It is argued that modern forms of digital communication and social cohesion are a direct continuation of archaic biological programs laid down at the stage of anthropogenesis. The study is based on a three-level model of social behavior determination: anatomical, neurophysiological, and endocrine. The anatomical level of analysis focuses on the “obstetric dilemma” that arose as a result of the transition to bipedalism. It has been proven that the birth of biologically immature offspring made alloparenting (collective care) and high group cohesion a prerequisite for the preservation of the species. The neurophysiological level of the study reveals the role of encephalization and the development of the neocortex as a “social organ.” Particular attention is paid to the mirror neuron system and speech areas (Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas), which allowed the transformation of limited tactile grooming into remote forms of cognitive communication, making it possible to scale human communities. The endocrine level describes the neurohumoral regulation of affiliation, where the oxytocin and endorphin systems act as a “chemical glue” that provides internal rewards for social interaction and acts as a natural antidote to stress. The final part of the work analyzes the phenomenon of “digital grooming” in the era of social networks. An evolutionary mismatch is revealed between modern technological interfaces that stimulate the dopamine reward system and the archaic “hardware” of the human psyche, which requires oxytocin reinforcement through real contact. The article argues that understanding the zoopsychological foundations of the evolution of the central nervous system (CNS) is key to overcoming the crisis of “digital loneliness” and harmonizing the modern social environment.