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Genes decide who you befriend--study
by Jaspreet Virk - January 18, 2011 - comments
Based on the study results, Fowler states more research in this area may further improve understanding on how our genes influence our social environment.
You might share same interests and passions, but there is more to friendship than this, as a new study states that we choose our friends based on their genes.
The U.S. researchers claim that they have found tentative evidence that suggests that our friends are not randomly chosen but influenced by our genes.
Lead study author Professor James Fowler of the University of California, stated, “We live in the sea of the genes of other people.
“We shouldn't just be thinking of the impact our genes have on our outcomes, but what the impact of our friends' genes are on our outcomes.”
The researchers found that like "birds of a feather flock together,” a person with a gene known as 'DRD2,' which is associated with associated with alcoholism, is more likely to befriend those who have the same gene.
Independent studies analyzed
To determine the association between genes and friendship, the researchers from the the University of California, San Diego, gathered data from two independent studies.
They analyzed the six genotypes in two long term studies: the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, and the Framingham Heart Study.
Both of these studies asked participants about their friendship ties to test the genetic similarity.
Genes govern friendship
Researchers found that like "birds of a feather flock together,” a person with a gene known as 'DRD2,' which is associated with associated with alcoholism, is more likely to befriend those who have the same gene.
The study, published in the journal 'Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,' states, “It is not hard to imagine that non-drinkers may actively avoid alcoholics, or that alcoholics may be drawn to environments that non-drinkers avoid.”
But opposites attract at the genetic level too. This is true in case of people with 'CYP2A6' gene, which is associated with gregarious personality.
Those who carry 'CYP2A6' marker stay away from those who have the same gene, and get along well with people who lack this genetic trait.
Similar pattern also affects the choice of spouse as individuals avoid prospective mates who are susceptible to the same diseases.
More research needed
Based on the study results, Fowler states more research in this area may further improve understanding on how our genes influence our social environment.
Further, it could even explain why we like instinctively like or dislike people we come across.
"We think that understanding the genotypes that underlie friendship may help us to understand more of that process," Fowler added.