Social Interaction

The surprising ways little social interactions affect your health

Greeting neighbours or gossiping with a colleague can boost your health and well-being, but coronavirus lockdowns are putting that in jeopardy. Here’s how to stay connected

We’ve located the part of the brain which understands social interactions

The ability to quickly detect and recognise the purpose of a social interaction is as indispensable today as it would have been to our ancient ancestors – but how does the brain do it?

The Science of Staying Connected

Evidence shows that social interaction is a biological requirement, much like eating, drinking and sleeping. Our ability to learn to talk, play, acquire new skills, fall in love, conduct business, and age in good health all hinge on our motivation to connect with other people, social neuroscientists have found.

You Should Talk to Strangers—Even During the Pandemic

Social distancing and isolation mean we’re missing out on serendipitous exchanges with strangers. Here’s why—and how—we should work to make them happen.

Coronavirus will also cause a loneliness epidemic

We need to take both social distancing and the “social recession” it will cause seriously.

Isolating the Elderly Is Bad for Their Health

Living alone without social interaction is implicated in higher rates of cardiovascular disease, worsening dementia and Alzheimer’s and shorter lives.

People Are Socialising More than Ever, Just In a New Way

A new culture is emerging as people all over the world are forced to stay at home to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

All Health Care Is Social: The Increasing Significance Of Social Interaction And Health

The maxim “all healthcare is local,” will in short time be replaced by the more accurate, “all healthcare is social.”

Here's more proof that social media is hurting young people's mental health

A new study suggests that each hour of screen time increases the severity of depressive symptoms in teens.

It’s time to incorporate social needs into patient care

Unmet social needs represent a disastrously overlooked, or ignored, underpinning of poor health, disability, and even death.

Make Room, Introverts—Everyone Needs Time to Recharge

A new study suggests that socializing is always tiring, regardless of personality.

Sex Experts Give Advice On Safe Social Interaction During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Sex educators and sexologists have some advice for coronavirus socializing. And it's kind of like in the bedroom: people must build trust, communicate their values and needs, and seek consent.

Social activity can be good for mental health, but whether you benefit depends on how many friends you have

There are many reasons being socially active is linked to better mental health and well-being. Social activities can be a way to establish new relationships, provide opportunities for social support and foster a sense of belonging within a community.

The Benefits of Social Relationships

Having and maintaining social relationships brings us not only rewards, but certain costs as well. These might include sacrificing some much-needed alone time in order to maintain a relationship, drawing on your emotional reserves when a friend needs support, and spending money for entertainment that you might not otherwise have spent. In general, we find these costs worth the friendship.

The High Health Cost of Social Isolation—and How to Cure It

Evidence shows that social isolation is bad for your health, and that is especially true if you are older or a high-need patient—meaning you have two or more chronic illnesses and physical or cognitive limitations. That is because if you’re sick, being socially isolated makes you sicker and can even cause early death.

An Adult’s Guide to Social Skills, for Those Who Were Never Taught

It’s a shame so few of us are taught the basics of how to interact constructively with each other. If you never were, we’re here to help.

Social Interaction Is Critical for Mental and Physical Health

And, as myriad studies have shown, they may also be helping to save my life. As the Harvard Women’s Health Watch reported, “Dozens of studies have shown that people who have satisfying relationships with family, friends and their community are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer.”