Nepal, Feb. 16 -- Humans possess a unique ability that sets us apart from other species-the capacity to collaborate not just as individuals pursuing parallel goals, but as truly unified collectives working towards shared objectives. This distinctive way of thinking and acting, termed "we-mode," represents a hidden human superpower, enabling achievements far beyond what any individual could accomplish alone. However, this crucial capability may be under threat in an increasingly digital world.

The power of we-mode

As philosopher Raimo Tuomela explains in Social Ontology, we-mode refers to our ability to think and act as part of a collective "we" rather than as isolated individuals. When operating in we-mode, people do not simply coordina...