Human Swarm

Human Swarm (1x1)

: 30, 2013

We all like to think of ourselves as individuals, making up our own minds what to do and when to do it. But this eye-opening documentary, presented by Jimmy Doherty, reveals new evidence that suggests that in many ways we actually think and move like members of a herd of animals. We each leave behind us a vast 'data trail' every time we travel, use our phone or credit card, search or buy online, use social media or visit a supermarket. The documentary reveals how, by analysing and unlocking this mountain of data, scientists can monitor, predict and even manipulate our actions with amazing precision. The programme shows how one of the most powerful influences on each of us is the temperature, with the smallest changes affecting us physically and psychologically, without us even being aware of it. And it shows how individual changes in mood, appetite, behaviour and health can add up to a huge shift in behaviour across the country, with consequences for the health service, energy companies and retailers. The programme reveals: how a tiny gland in our brains helps to choose our breakfast for us when it's cold; how each one degree drop in the temperature leads to an extra 200 heart attacks; why flu flourishes in winter; how our online searches can help track disease outbreaks; how supermarkets can predict when you will want to have a BBQ; when online dating sites see a 350% spike in traffic; and how sales of swimwear go up by 600% when the sun shines, whatever the temperature.