Why are yawns contagious?

[sneakers]

I tried googling this, and every site I went to had a different or no answer at all. Anyone hear anything as of why they are contagious?

[SeeingRed]

Check out snopes.

[Kapaibro]

Yawn cooties

[McKeough]

Er, I saw some thing on the discovery channel awhile back (and don't hold me to this) but it had something to do with the person who witnesses the yawns brain. sub-consciously, that persons brain remembers what it feels like to be tired / experiance that, and, you end up doing it.

Similar to when you see someone get hurt, and you flinch, etc. Your brain 'reminds' itself what it's like to experiance that.

[dandaman23]

Here you go...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yawning#Contagiousness

May help a little..

[// / yardo]

Because people don't cover their mouth. Oh wait... that's coughing.

[T140]

I was talking to my friend on the phone last night and yawned a few times, then she yawned. Then she yawned again and I yawned.
So I figure it works over the phone too.

[Nick7]

It Reminds You That You Too Have To Yawn

[xX-Bronco-Xx]

It's just like a cough.

I did a little experiment last school year to see if it would work and I would fake cough. Surprisingly at least 3-4 people joined in with me after I coughed each time.

[Reidman]

I yawned reading this thread....

[KCLadyFan]

If I see my cat yawn...it makes me yawn....

[ReleaseTheBeast7]

Looked at this thread and I yawned. Weird