Parasitic patterns in behavior are self-reproducing and detrimental to both individuals and society. We can think of these rogue patterns as "behavioral screeches" They're like the feedback loop of a microphone and loudspeaker, where control is lost, and the screech becomes self-sustaining. These screechy habits are not just theoretical but are observable in animals placed in restrictive environments, leading to repetitive and purposeless behaviors.

They manifest in humans, just as they do in all other animals. We can recognize them in addiction and social media, for example. We can liken alcoholism to a hamster running on an exercise wheel, where alcohol is the wheel. The alcoholic's life situation constricts their options, making drinking the most fulfilling activity available. Similarly, social media creates informational silos that limit exposure to diverse perspectives, leading to the proliferation of harmful ideologies and behaviors. These silos act as impoverished environments, fostering parasitic habits that thrive on misinformation and extremism.

The idea of behavioral screech gives us a way to make sense of the negative effects of constricted environments on behavior. It highlights the parallels between animal behavior in captivity and human behavior in restrictive social and informational environments. We need to recognize and address these parasitic patterns to lessen their harmful impact on individuals and society.

In this podcast Deep Divers Mark and Jenna use the screech idea to explain addiction and the problems created by social media siloization using material from Tom Whitehead’s upcoming book, Reimagining Psychology.