“Social contagion” is a thing- its the phenomena that makes us feel like we are itchy when we see someone else scratching. Yawning is another behavior that falls under the same category. With the help of mice, scientists have learned more about the way that the brain reacts to seeing someone itch- essentially sending a signal that says “I’m itchy” to the person watching. The scientists have concluded that this is an instinctual response, not a chosen behavior.
Read more: Medical News Today: Why do we feel itchy when seeing others scratch?