If you, like a good deal of the population, have ever searched “why do people cheat” through tear-stained eyes, know this: You are not alone. While 91 percent of Americans agree that cheating is wrong (that’s a shockingly high number), more than 30 percent of married people have also admitted that yeah, they totally cheated on their spouse at some point or another. So what does that disparity mean? In the video above, Bustle explores exactly why humans cheat on each other. (Not that the theories should give you any incentive to do so.)
According to interviews with evolutionary biologist Dr. David Barash and biological anthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher, there are three main theories as to why human beings (even those who you think could never do something morally wrong) are unfaithful to each other. And these aren’t just excuses your last ex gave you for making out with someone while you were away on a business trip, these theories come from actual research.
First, there’s the theory that humans just aren’t meant to be monogamous (although we can be!); second, there’s some evidence that suggests that cheating may actually be genetic (blame your parents); third, our brains have multiple systems designed to do different things. So while we may love someone deeply with one part of our brain, another’s all “but this new person is so much more sexy and exciting.”
Of course, none of this is an excuse, it’s just a probable explanation. As Bustle points out, it’s just a reminder that when cheating happens, there are many factors at play and that we should consider them before “writing someone off as a terrible person.” Good point. Still doesn’t hurt any less, though, right?
