About this episode

Dr. Nicholas Epley discusses the importance of social connections and the factors contributing to loneliness in modern society.

Social anxiety icebreakers. Third spaces. Slumber parties with old friends. Helping out strangers. And why primates are wired to be better connected than we are now. Dr. Nicholas Epley – a distinguished Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago and the author of “A Little More Social” – explains how important social activity is for physical and mental health, why people are experiencing a friendship recession, how texting affects your hormones, how seeing other cultures can shape your life, the world’s friendliest cities, and the low expectations keeping us feeling lonely. Also: don’t be afraid to pick up the phone.

People in this episode

Host: Alie Ward

Guest: Nicholas Epley

Topics covered

• social anxiety
• friendship recession
• behavioral science
• mental health
• social connections
• cultural experiences

Keywords

• social anxiety
• friendship recession
• mental health
• social activity
• texting effects
• cultural influence
• loneliness

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Chicago

Books & works: A Little More Social

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