Social Interaction
Articles tagged with Social Interaction
60% of U.S. teens have tried AI chatbots, 11.4% use them almost daily
Early institutional care lowers life expectancy
A long-term study finds that children in infant care institutions had a 48% higher risk of mortality and shorter life expectancy than those raised at home. The research highlights the importance of affection and stimulation in early childhood, revealing lifelong consequences for those who experienced institutional care.
Are you addicted to your AI chatbot? It might be by design
Researchers identified three main patterns of AI addiction: role-playing and fantasy worlds, emotional attachment to chatbots as close friends or partners, and constant information-seeking. These patterns led to disruptions in daily life, including anxiety, stress, and negative impacts on work, studies, and relationships.
Emoji’s have feelings too, new study reveals
A new study by Bournemouth University found that the brain reacts to emojis in a way similar to seeing real human faces, with neural responses occurring within 145-160 milliseconds. This suggests that emojis can be processed by the brain as meaningful emotional signals during online interaction.
Feeling lonely? Try a walk in the great outdoors
A recent study found that strengthening one's sense of belonging to natural environments has a protective effect against loneliness. The study investigated the impact of outdoor activities on loneliness and discovered that noticing details in nature, such as sounds and patterns, can be beneficial for mental well-being.
Loneliness affects memory in older adults but does not accelerate brain decline, major international longitudinal study suggests
A major European study found that loneliness affects the memory of older adults, but does not speed up mental decline over time. Participants who reported high levels of loneliness performed worse on initial memory tests, but their ability to recall information declined at a similar rate as those with lower loneliness levels.
Research uses AI to examine social exchanges and interactions
A new study analyzed thousands of textual descriptions of two-person social interactions using generative AI, resulting in a comprehensive taxonomy of categories. The findings provide a data-driven framework for understanding the structure of social situations, including associations with conflict, power, and duty.
Think that conversation will be boring? Science says think again
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people consistently underestimate how interesting and enjoyable conversations about boring topics would be. People reported enjoying these conversations much more than they had predicted, even when both parties agreed the topic was boring.
Role of environmental enrichment in poststroke functional recovery
A new study shows that poststroke environmental enrichment reduces chronic inflammation and promotes sustained sensorimotor recovery in mice. The study found that enriched environment mice had better neurological scores and stronger recovery compared to standard environment mice.
If you’re a perfectionist at work, your boss’ expectations may matter more than your own, research finds
A new study from University of Florida finds that employee perfectionism impact depends on alignment with supervisor's expectations and clarity in understanding. When employees' standards match supervisors', they experience less uncertainty, better performance, and higher job satisfaction.
Should emojis be used in workplace communications?
A new study by the University of Ottawa found that emojis can negatively affect perceptions of competence and appropriateness in professional settings. The researchers discovered that using positive emojis with negative messages can create a sense of dishonesty, while negative emojis can lower overall competence perception.
FAU study: how unsupervised screen time harms vulnerable preschoolers
A new study from Florida Atlantic University finds that unsupervised screen time during early childhood increases the likelihood of socioemotional difficulties. Preschool- and kindergarten-aged children who spent at least 10-30 minutes alone with devices daily were more likely to experience adjustment problems.
FAU study finds some dark web users share traits with those involved in crime
A recent FAU study found that individuals with prior criminal behavior, low self-control, and favorable attitudes toward deviance are more likely to access the dark web. The research highlights the importance of understanding who accesses this platform and why, particularly for those intending to engage in illicit activities.
Humor helps older adults navigate ageing – research
Older adults use humor as a coping mechanism to deal with the challenges of aging, including bereavement and declining well-being. The study found that women are more likely to use humor in emotionally sensitive situations, while men emphasize its role in social bonding.
Cohesion in Diversity
A study published in PNAS found that the brain's social perception is more inclusive when a shared national identity is made salient. The research suggests that this neural flexibility can help bridge divisions and foster harmonious intergroup relations. By emphasizing common identities and shared goals, social cohesion can be improved.
Effect of teachers' responses to school bell on social tension in classroom interactions
A new study by Doshisha University found that teachers' deliberate actions at the start of a lesson, such as responding to the school bell, can create social tightness or looseness. Teachers who enforced strict rules and verbal prompts maintained tightness, while those with more relaxed approaches created loose occasions for students.
How ants distinguish friend from foe
Researchers found that ants continually update their sense of nestmate identity and tolerance for outsiders through repeated exposure, revealing a flexible behavioral foundation for studying social recognition. This discovery opens the door to exploring the neural circuits behind ant social behavior.
Live in the city or the country? How your location — and your thoughts on death — shape your travel choices
A study found that people's responses to thoughts of mortality shape their travel decisions, with those in tourism hotspots seeking meaningful, slow experiences. In contrast, residents in low-tourism areas are more likely to adopt negative coping strategies, leading to fewer travel opportunities.
Vegans develop complex skills to navigate an omnivorous society, new Concordia research shows
Researchers found three types of relational fractures: co-performance, co-learning, and marketplace. Vegans employ strategies such as decoding, decoupling, divesting, and chameleoning to cope with conflicts. These findings are transferable to other contexts, highlighting the need for social skills to navigate moral differences.
Brain structure volume linked to increased social tolerance in macaques
Researchers found that larger amygdala volumes are associated with higher social tolerance in macaque monkeys, suggesting a multifunctional role of the amygdala in processing complex social information. Hippocampus volume was not significantly linked to social tolerance.
Science of fitting in: Do best friends or popular peers shape teen behavior?
A groundbreaking longitudinal study reveals that peer influence is specialized, with best friends primarily shaping internal emotional states and academic behaviors, while popular peers set the standard for public image and social media engagement. The findings suggest that adolescents use different mental calculations to navigate thei...
AI may boost productivity — but it can hurt a creator’s reputation, new research finds
A recent study reveals that creators who disclose using AI face negative judgments from others, despite their reputation. This gap between technological capability and social perception highlights the need for creators to manage perceptions surrounding how their work was created.
Frictionless AI comes at a human cost to learning, growth and connection
Researchers warn that AI's friction removal could eliminate desirable difficulties, weakening learning and motivation. Effortful engagement strengthens learning and memory, while loneliness serves as a signal to form human connections.
Pets can help older adults’ health & well-being, but may strain budgets too
A new poll finds that pets contribute to healthy aging benefits for older adults, including increased sense of purpose and reduced stress. However, 31% of pet owners aged 50+ report that owning a pet strains their budget, mainly due to financial costs.
How competitive gaming on discord fosters social connections
Researchers found that Discord community Medimura functions as a 'third place,' providing a safe space for players to connect and share daily life. The study highlights the importance of digital platforms in promoting social wellbeing, particularly in Japan where casual social interactions can be limited.
How AI tools like DeepSeek are transforming emotional and mental health care of Chinese youth
China's youth faces a growing mental health crisis, but AI platforms like DeepSeek offer promising solutions to bridge the gap. These platforms leverage natural language processing and generative AI to provide round-the-clock support tailored to Chinese society.
Psychosocial safety pressures across Australian universities
A landmark report reveals increasing levels of high and very high psychosocial risk across Australian higher education, driven by weaknesses in safety systems. The study offers universities a clear roadmap for action to prioritize staff wellbeing and create workplaces that support the wellbeing of their people.
What makes healthy boundaries – and how to implement them – according to a psychotherapist
Psychotherapist Lynn Somerfield emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries in relationships, work, and personal beliefs to promote emotional well-being. She advises that healthy boundaries strengthen connections with others while preserving individual identity and energy.
In Sweden, young adults feel most dissatisfied while the oldest thrive
A new study reveals that young adults in Sweden report lower life satisfaction, a weaker sense of meaning, and higher levels of loneliness, anxiety, and depression compared to older age groups. In contrast, older Swedes are among the happiest in the world, with strong close relationships and less loneliness.
Truth hurts: Prosocial liars perceived as more moral
In a study, participants preferred feedback providers who provided overly optimistic feedback to avoid hurting others, even if it meant telling the truth. This suggests that people strategically adjust their preferences for honesty based on social cues and prioritize the well-being of others.
Family connection in adolescence and social connection in adulthood
A cohort study found that stronger family connections during adolescence can lead to improved social connections in adulthood. The study suggests that increasing family connection may help mitigate the effects of adult social disconnection.
New analysis of wellbeing interventions shows there are multiple routes to better mental health
A new analysis of wellbeing interventions shows that there is no single route to improving mental health, with mindfulness, compassion-based approaches, yoga, exercise and positive psychology interventions all showing moderate benefits. Combining physical activity with psychological interventions appeared particularly promising.
FAU study reveals social, family and health factors behind teen bullying
Adolescents bullied or engaging in bullying face lasting mental, physical and social challenges. The study identified socioeconomic disadvantages, race, physical differences, and pre-existing health conditions as risk factors for bullying.
Believing or thinking that first impressions are fixed may ease social anxiety, Bar-Ilan University study finds
A Bar-Ilan University study reveals that individuals with social anxiety may feel better when they believe others' opinions are fixed rather than changeable. Adopting a fixed mindset reduced stress and improved performance in social interactions.
Socializing alone: The downside of communication technology
A review of over 1,000 studies found that technology communication reduces engagement and positive emotional responses compared to in-person interactions. In-person communication has been shown to have health benefits, including reduced anxiety and improved educational outcomes.
How we decide when to shut out information and when to insist on knowing it all
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers uncovers the psychology behind seeking or avoiding information, revealing a common emotional mechanism. The findings suggest that both behaviors stem from regulating emotions and managing psychological overload, rather than moral responsibility.
Smile and the world will trust you: How mimicry shapes first impressions
Researchers found that smiling faces are associated with higher trustworthiness, confidence, and attractiveness. Facial expressions play a crucial role in social judgments, with emotional mimicry influencing character trait evaluations.
Dog ownership is associated with a stronger sense of community, likely in part because it fosters neighborhood-based connections, per Japanese study
A Japanese study discovered dog ownership strengthens community ties through neighborhood interactions. The study compared dog owners with friends and acquaintances, finding a significant difference in social connections.
Sport in middle childhood can breed respect for authority in adolescence
A new study by researchers in Canada and Italy suggests that young adolescents who participated in organized sports between ages 6 and 10 are less likely to defy authority figures. The study found that structured extracurricular activities can promote behavioral resilience and reduce the burden of disruptive behavior disorders.
Family dogs boost adolescent mental health through the microbiome
Research suggests that owning a family dog during adolescence can boost mental well-being and social support by altering the gut microbiota. The study found that adolescents with dogs had higher mental health scores and lower social problems compared to those without dogs.
Arts-based methods helped Afghan refugee youth in Iran express their hopes and struggles
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland explores how Afghan refugee youth living in Iran make sense of their experiences. The research found that young people combine personal stories, social interactions, and cultural knowledge to reconstruct meaning from their lives.
Could this precision medicine approach help you delay dementia?
A new study by UC San Francisco combines genetic risk with cardiovascular disease risk factors to predict who is more likely to develop dementia. The expanded view may help those worried about dementia, as lifestyle changes and improved control of illnesses can reduce brain damage and potentially delay or prevent symptoms.
New research shows how friends’ support protects intercultural couples
A new study examines the role of social approval in intercultural relationships, finding that supportive friends are a powerful protective factor. The research highlights the unique challenges faced by these couples and emphasizes the importance of building strong social networks to understand and respect their relationship.
Admitting imposter feelings may undermine professors’ perceived competence, study finds
Research from Colorado State University shows that faculty sharing internal sense of unease and inadequacy can shape students' perception of professors' overall competence, likeability, and effectiveness. Students found a hypothetical professor who publicly acknowledged feelings of being an impostor to be less hirable than an equally a...
Brain activity goes to extremes in soccer fans
A study published in Radiology found that soccer fans' brain activity is triggered by positive and negative emotions when watching their favorite team play. The researchers used fMRI to examine the brain's response to goal sequences from matches, revealing patterns of neural activation associated with social identity and fanaticism.
Personalized interactions increase cooperation, trust and fairness
A new study found that when people can tailor their actions to different individuals in their networks, they become significantly more cooperative, trusting, and fair. This contradicts standard experimental setups of cooperation, which underestimate people's prosocial potential.
Talking with our hands: Duke study reveals how culture shapes our gestures
A Duke University study shows that cultural norms influence gesture use, with Black and White Americans communicating differently. The research highlights the importance of considering nonverbal cues to improve understanding across racial groups.
Social identification with a team boosts fans’ social well-being
A new study suggests that organizations can enhance their supporters' health and well-being by bolstering their social identification with the group. Researchers found that in-group trust acted as the antecedent of social well-being, transmitting the indirect effects of progroup norms and purpose and meaning.
Parents' attachment style may be linked with risk of parental burnout, especially when associated with difficulty in understanding and identifying their emotions
A new study reveals a connection between parents' attachment styles and the likelihood of experiencing parental burnout. The research suggests that difficulty in recognizing and understanding one's own emotions can increase the risk of burnout.
More than 100,000 Norwegians suffer from work-related anxiety
A new study reveals that 11.2% of Norwegians experience reduced capacity for work due to work-related anxiety. Experts stress the importance of a supportive culture at work, including psychological support from managers and colleagues, job security, and a safe working environment.
People with dark personality traits use touch to manipulate their partners
A new study by Binghamton University reveals that individuals with narcissistic, psychopathic, and Machiavellian personality traits exploit touch as a means of control in romantic relationships. They tend to have short-term, tumultuous relationships, often accompanied by violence.
Loneliness and social isolation linked to heightened risk of death in those with cancer
Loneliness and social isolation are linked to a heightened risk of death from cancer as well as from all causes among those with the disease. Pooled data analysis found that these conditions were associated with an 11% increased risk of death from cancer, after adjusting for small study sizes.
Research team explores inclusion at conferences
A Bielefeld study analyzes audience questions and survey responses from over 1,300 participants to identify barriers to inclusion at scientific events. Small measures such as behavioral guidelines and free childcare options can have a significant impact on increasing diversity and equity.
Are schools making young people lonelier?
A Flinders University study suggests schools can be emotionally unsafe spaces where social hierarchies and exclusion shape student feelings and belonging. The research highlights the role of bullying and undesirable social connections in fostering loneliness among young people.
Moving abroad as a child becomes a professional superpower in adulthood
A study by Mireka Caselius found that children who moved abroad as kids develop unique skills such as social adaptability and tolerance for stress, making them highly sought-after employees in the global job market. These young adults often pursue careers with an international dimension, reflecting their adaptable nature.
6 in 10 US music fans say they have been sexually harassed/assaulted at a live gig, survey suggests
A survey of 1091 US music fans found that 6 in 10 have experienced inappropriate sexual behavior at a live gig, with women more than twice as likely to be affected. The most common barriers to reporting incidents were feeling the incident wouldn't be taken seriously or knowing who to report it to.
An important signaling system for developing social skills
Researchers manipulated the endocannabinoid signaling system in prenatal mice, leading to altered gene expression, neural properties, and social interaction deficits. This work suggests that prenatal manipulation of this system may lead to neuropsychiatric conditions, particularly those involving social deficits.
FAU researchers show adopting healthy habits can improve cognitive decline
A large-scale U.S-based randomized trial shows that intensive lifestyle changes can significantly improve global cognition in older adults at high risk of cognitive decline. The intervention emphasized regular physical activity, healthy diet, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement, leading to clinically meaningful improvements. T...
Puppy power: Parents see quality of life improvements in children with impaired walking thanks to mobility assistance dogs
Children with variable levels of walking impairment experience significant physical activity, social engagement, and family life improvements. Parents also report increased confidence, self-belief, and reduced anxiety in their children.