Human behavior

A diagram of a brain surrounded by a maze with people walking toward the brain
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Have you ever wondered why we behave the way we do? From the evolution of human aggression to why humans are so curious, Live Science takes you inside our minds to explain the science behind the things we do, why we do them and what is going on in our brain when it happens. 

Discover more

—Are humans inherently violent?

—Are some people actually tone deaf?

Whether it's pondering the weird things humans do every day or why we believe in conspiracy theories, our expert writers and editors track down the biggest stories in psychology, sociology and neuroscience, bringing you the latest news, features and articles about human behavior.  

Explore Human Behavior

Editor's Picks

Black and white photo of wooden attic with cathedral-type windows and metal folding chair in center.
Are ghosts real? One difficulty in scientifically evaluating is ghost are real is the surprisingly wide variety of phenomena attributed to ghosts.
A man looks at his phone when he should be working.
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20 of the best conspiracy theories From a faked moon landing to wild ideas about JFK's assassination, conspiracy theories and believers abound.

Latest about Human Behavior

Young woman walking in a terraced Rice field at sunset, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

30,000 years of history reveals that hard times boost human societies' resilience

By Stephanie Pappas published

Human societies that experience downturns do a better job of recovering from later disasters, new research finds.

Human Behavior
The Curie Society ($18.95) and The Curie Society, Volume 2: Eris Eternal ($22.95) are available on Amazon/MIT's Ritu Raman

'We're meeting people where they are': Graphic novels can help boost diversity in STEM, says MIT's Ritu Raman

By Alexander McNamara published

In a new series of comics, where young, female scientists take center stage, MIT's Ritu Raman explains how the format can inspire the next generation of young people into the world of STEM.

Arts & Entertainment
College student carrying his bag and laptop in campus. Young man turning back over his shoulder and walking in college campus.

Why do people feel like they're being watched, even when no one is there?

By Angely Mercado published

The causes range from innocuous media exposure to severe mental illness.

Human Behavior
A person's shadow on bank steps in Hiroshima, Japan.

Why did the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima leave shadows of people etched on sidewalks?

By Stacy Kish last updated

The nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of WWII left shadows of people on the ground and buildings. Here's why.

Warfare
Baby rubbing eyes.

Why do babies rub their eyes when they're tired?

By Ashley Hamer published

Babies usually rub their eyes when they're tired, but why?

Human Behavior
A promotional image for the Oppenheimer movie. Cillian Murphy (playing J. Robert Oppenheimer) stands in front of an explosion.

Best movies about famous scientists that aren't Oppenheimer

By Erin Macdonald last updated

Oppenheimer cleaned up at the Oscars this year, so what better time to look back at the best biopics based on history's most influential scientists?

Arts & Entertainment
close up on a boy dressed as sherlock holmes and looking through a magnifying glass surrounded by other children and adults also dressed as sherlock holmes in central London in Summer 2014

What's the difference between deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning?

By Alina Bradford, Mindy Weisberger, Nicoletta Lanese last updated

Deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning are easy to mix up. Learn what the difference is and see examples of each type of scientific reasoning.

Human Behavior
3d rendering clock of change to February 29th.

Why do we have leap years? And how did they come about?

By Harry Baker last updated

Feb. 29 comes only once every four years (most of the time), but why do we need leap years and how did they come about?

Human Behavior
Depressed teenage girl stands against a wall in angst.

Why do people dissociate during traumatic events?

By Angely Mercado published

Ever feel disconnected during a stressful event? That could be your brain protecting you.

Human Behavior
Close-up of thoughtful man sitting in shadows from blinds.

Can psychopaths learn to feel empathy?

By Victoria Atkinson published

People with psychopathic traits often struggle with emotional empathy, but they're usually adept at cognitive empathy and can use this to manipulate people.

Human Behavior
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