Meaning: This quote by Keith Henson, a scientist known for his work in evolutionary psychology and evolutionary theory, touches on the concept of cult memes and their influence on social behavior. To fully understand this quote, it is essential to delve into the concepts of memes, cults, and social interaction behavior.

The term "meme" was first introduced by Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book "The Selfish Gene." Dawkins defined a meme as a unit of cultural information that is transmitted from one individual to another through social learning. This can include ideas, behaviors, or styles that spread within a culture. In the context of Henson's quote, "cult memes" refer to the specific ideas or behaviors that are propagated within a cult or close-knit group.

Cults are characterized by their intense social dynamics and strong adherence to particular beliefs or practices. Cult members often exhibit high levels of commitment and conformity to the group's ideology, which can lead to distinctive patterns of social interaction. Henson suggests that successful cult memes are those that induce intense social interaction behavior between members. This implies that these memes are particularly effective at fostering strong connections and engagement within the cult.

The phrase "trips the attention detectors" in the quote alludes to the idea that these intense social interactions triggered by successful cult memes can capture the attention of individuals, potentially drawing them into the cult's influence. In the context of evolutionary psychology, human attention is a valuable resource that has evolved to identify and respond to social cues and interactions. Successful cult memes are able to exploit these attention mechanisms, leading individuals to become more engaged and involved in the cult's activities.

Henson's statement highlights the powerful influence of successful cult memes in shaping social behavior within cults. These memes have the ability to create a strong sense of belonging and community among members, often through rituals, shared beliefs, and social reinforcement. This intense social interaction serves to strengthen the bonds between individuals and further solidify their commitment to the cult's ideology.

It is important to note that not all memes associated with cults are inherently negative or harmful. While there are certainly instances of destructive cults that manipulate and exploit their members, the concept of successful cult memes can also be applied to more benign or positive social groups. In these cases, the intense social interaction induced by the memes can foster a sense of community, support, and shared purpose among members.

However, the darker side of cult memes is evident in the way they can lead individuals to prioritize the needs of the group over their own well-being, critical thinking, and personal autonomy. Successful cult memes can create a strong sense of identity and belonging within the group, making it difficult for members to question or challenge the beliefs and practices that have been ingrained through social interactions.

In conclusion, Keith Henson's quote sheds light on the profound impact of successful cult memes on social interaction behavior within cults. It underscores the ability of these memes to trigger intense social engagement among members, ultimately capturing the attention and commitment of individuals. This phenomenon reflects the complex interplay between cultural transmission, social dynamics, and human attention mechanisms within the context of cults and close-knit social groups.