Why Do We Get Goosebumps?
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18 February 2025
Goosebumps, also known as piloerection or the pilomotor reflex, occur when tiny muscles at the base of each hair follicle contract, causing the hairs to stand upright
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This phenomenon is usually accompanied by a feeling of excitement, fear, or awe. There are several reasons why we get goosebumps
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1. Evolutionary response: Raising body hair traps air and helps retain heat--a leftover survival mechanism from our furry ancestors
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2. Emotional arousal: Goosebumps are often triggered by strong emotions such as excitement, fear, nostalgia or awe
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This is because the emotional centers of the brain, including the amygdala and the hypothalamus, are closely linked to the nervous system that controls the pilomotor reflex
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3. Cold temperatures: Exposure to cold temperatures can cause goosebumps as the body tries to conserve heat
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When the skin is cold, the tiny muscles at the base of each hair follicle contract, causing the hairs to stand upright and trap a layer of warm air next to the skin
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4. Music and art: Some people experience goosebumps when listening to moving music, viewing breathtaking art, or experiencing other forms of aesthetic pleasure
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This is often referred to as "frisson" and is thought to be related to the brain's reward system and the release of dopamine
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5. Neurological response: Goosebumps can also be triggered by certain neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or peripheral neuropathy
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