Why We Click
The Hidden Dynamics of Connection: 'The New Science of Interpersonal Synchrony'
Published on 26. March 2026
Book
Hardback
320 pages
978-0-241-74424-6 (ISBN)
Description
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF YOU'RE NOT LISTENING
Have you ever met someone and felt an immediate connection? Are there people in your life who always seem to lift your spirits, while others just as reliably drag you down? Do people actually emit vibes? Are bad habits contagious?
In Why We Click, bestselling author Kate Murphy explores the emerging science of interpersonal synchrony - the most important social dynamic most people have never heard of.
This seemingly magical yet science-backed phenomenon is fundamental to human connection, bonding and attachment. By subconsciously mimicking one another's movements, facial expressions and gestures - not to mention syncing our heart rates, blood pressure, pupil dilation and brainwaves - we internalize and develop empathy for one another. Weaving together science, philosophy, history, literature, pop culture and plenty of real-world examples, Murphy reveals that our emotions, moods, attitudes and subsequent behaviours can be contagious - and can have a profound impact on our health and well-being.
With curiosity, concision and wit, Murphy uncovers why being 'in tune' and 'on the same wavelength' are more than just turns of phrase and offers a new way of thinking about our everyday human interactions.
Have you ever met someone and felt an immediate connection? Are there people in your life who always seem to lift your spirits, while others just as reliably drag you down? Do people actually emit vibes? Are bad habits contagious?
In Why We Click, bestselling author Kate Murphy explores the emerging science of interpersonal synchrony - the most important social dynamic most people have never heard of.
This seemingly magical yet science-backed phenomenon is fundamental to human connection, bonding and attachment. By subconsciously mimicking one another's movements, facial expressions and gestures - not to mention syncing our heart rates, blood pressure, pupil dilation and brainwaves - we internalize and develop empathy for one another. Weaving together science, philosophy, history, literature, pop culture and plenty of real-world examples, Murphy reveals that our emotions, moods, attitudes and subsequent behaviours can be contagious - and can have a profound impact on our health and well-being.
With curiosity, concision and wit, Murphy uncovers why being 'in tune' and 'on the same wavelength' are more than just turns of phrase and offers a new way of thinking about our everyday human interactions.
Reviews / Votes
'In a world where loneliness is skyrocketing and connection feels harder than ever, Murphy's book is a must-have resource. Why We Click is a fascinating, science-backed reminder that the joy we seek so often begins in rhythm with the people around us' -- Laurie Santos, Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon Professor of Psychology and host of The Happiness Lab podcast 'From start to finish, Why We Click dives deep into how we relate, communicate, and sync our behavior in fascinating and perplexing ways. It's a captivating journey through the science behind the powerful, yet invisible forces that synchronize human behavior.' * Danny Meyer, author of Setting the Table * 'Why We Click is popular science at its best. Kate Murphy takes a universal yet mysterious experience-our sense of connection with others-and reveals the surprising science that explains it. Through vivid stories and carefully-conducted research, Murphy transforms an experience that once felt mysterious and magical into something that is perfectly understandable. You'll end this book feeling like you've gotten a new pair of crystal-clear glasses to see your social world through. It's engaging, insightful, and hard to put down!' * Nicholas Epley, Professor of Behavioural Science, and author of Mindwise and A Little More Social * 'Why We Click is a searching and fascinating exploration of the up-and-coming science of human connection. Kate Murphy describes, in lucid terms, not only the foundation of the seemingly effortless link between people, but also the devastating consequences of its absence - all too relevant in a world where digital virtualities are draining real-life interaction from our lives' -- Thomas Lewis, psychiatrist, adjunct professor at UCSF and author of A General Theory of Love 'A thoughtful, eloquent volume that could transform not just your relationships but your own worldview as well' -- Waterstones, Best Non-fiction Books for 2020 , on You're Not Listening 'This book changed the way I think about communicating with the people who matter to me' * Cal Newport, on You're Not Listening * 'Intelligent and thought-provoking' * The Times, on You're Not Listening * 'Brilliant' -- Chris Evans, on You're Not Listening 'Smart and playful' * Observer, on You're Not Listening *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Penguin Books Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 242 mm
Width: 163 mm
Thickness: 31 mm
Weight
528 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-241-74424-6 (9780241744246)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Kate Murphy
Why We Click
The Hidden Dynamics of Connection: 'The New Science of Interpersonal Synchrony'
E-Book
03/2026
Penguin Books Ltd
€14.99
Available for download
Kate Murphy
Why We Click
The Hidden Dynamics of Connection: 'The New Science of Interpersonal Synchrony'
Book
01/2026
Viking
€21.50
Available immediately
Person
Kate Murphy is a journalist and science communicator. She is the author of the international bestseller, You're Not Listening, and her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist and more. Kate is known for her fresh and accessible way of explaining complex subjects, particularly the science behind human interactions, helping readers understand why people behave the way they do. She lives in Houston, Texas.