Bonobos Revisited

Some years ago, I wrote a post about Bonobo chimps. It was the most popular post I've ever written. It described how this species of primate is unique on the planet. Bonobo chimps are matriarchal (dominated by females). Females use sex (and lots of it) to keep males in line. Most primates (or other mammals, for that matter) will turn violent if too many are confined to a small space.

The accepted reasoning is that forming strong social bonds between too many individuals takes time. The result of the confinement of many individuals exceeding the acceptable limits for the species is a fight for resources (including personal space).

Is it possible that as our digital lives become more important to us, we are becoming "virtually" crowded? This sense of confinement has caused many humans to behave in a manner expected of primates other than Bonobos. We live in algorithmic bubbles that are surrounded by THEM! THEY are pushing us to abandon our truth.

Long before the situation becomes violent, confined primates exhibit heightened awareness and decreased tolerance, which results in an increase in emotional decision-making. Does this sound like any country you know? It sounds like every country I know except Canada, which is notoriously underpopulated.

I like to be the guy with the answers, but I have nothing. I don't see human females deciding to emulate Bonobo females anytime soon, so that solution is off the table.