Articles tagged with Social Interaction
A new Dartmouth study uses a subjective approach to investigate how people perceive social interactions. The results show that the brain responds more strongly to information interpreted as social versus non-social, highlighting humans' tendency to see social connections.
Researchers found that while humans excel at categorizing interactions between humans, dogs, and monkeys, they struggle to predict aggressive behaviors in both species. Participants performed poorly on identifying aggression in dogs and humans, suggesting a potential bias towards assuming good intentions from others.
A study found that humans are poor at identifying aggressive behavior in dogs and humans, despite accurate categorization of playful interactions. Participants performed better than chance at recognizing non-aggressive interactions but struggled to predict outcomes in aggressive situations.
A new study by Michelle Szydlowski from the University of Exeter warns that rhino conservation efforts in Nepal are putting a burden on communities, infrastructure, and other species. The study found that successful anti-poaching campaigns have increased tourist numbers and rhino populations, but also led to human and animal casualties.
Chronic social defeat stress impairs brain reward function, leading to severe social avoidance. A subset of susceptible mice exhibit heightened activity of lateral septum neurotensin neurons, which inhibit centers encoding social rewards.
Researchers discovered that ant pupae secrete a fluid that is consumed by both adults and larvae, highlighting the interconnectedness of different developmental stages within an ant colony. The fluid, derived from molting, is rich in nutrients and psychoactive substances, essential for larval growth and adult metabolism.
A new study by Arizona State University researchers found that females with higher social status had younger, more resilient molecular profiles in their brains. The study used rhesus macaques and showed a key link between the social environment and healthy brains, providing new insights into aging.
Researchers found that neonicotinoid chemicals can impair the development of biological motion preference in chicks, similar to autism spectrum disorder in humans. The study suggests that transmission via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is critical for this process.
A study from University of Cambridge found that young people who feel poorer than their friends have lower self-esteem and are more likely to be bullied. Feeling economically equal among peers had the best outcomes for mental health and social behavior.
Researchers developed a new class of statistical models to group criminals with similar connectivity patterns, revealing nested and hierarchical structures in the 'Ndrangheta network. The models account for complex architectures and incorporate additional node information from investigations.
A new study published in Collective Intelligence journal suggests that evolutionary forces may be fueling collective tendencies to discriminate. The research recommends fostering environments where desired behavior emerges naturally through evolutionary dynamics rather than regulating against undesired outcomes.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University developed two tests to assess age-related memory performance and neophobia differences in dogs. The memory test found that older dogs make more mistakes before finding food, while the novel object test revealed an increased tendency to avoid new objects with age.
A new study led by Linda Pagani found that watching violent TV during the preschool years can lead to later risks of psychological and academic impairment. Exposure to typical violent screen content at a critical time in brain development can predict later psychological distress and academic risks.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that at least 60 percent of Danes who promised to donate never followed through on their commitments. Digital payment solutions made it easier for people to delay donations, but also led to larger average cash contributions. Social pressure was identified as a key driver of charity gi...
A study by Max-Planck Researchers found that individuals learn to use rewards specifically to promote good behavior when others also learn about them. The researchers used game theory to explain how reputation affects cooperation and rewarding policies.
Researchers found that actors' brain activity suppressed when hearing their own name during performance, indicating potential impact of theatre training on human brain. The study also investigated interpersonal coordination between actors and found specific brain systems involved in social interactions.
Researchers developed a wearable soft robot called Reliebo that reduces pain and fear in patients undergoing injections. The robot's effectiveness was proven in a study where participants who wore the robot experienced less pain and reduced stress levels than those without it.
A new study by University of Essex researcher Constantina Maltezou-Papastylianou found that older adults are less accurate than younger adults in detecting emotions from speech. This decline is associated with natural changes in the brain as we age, affecting understanding and interpretation of emotional cues.
A mathematical model suggests that social interactions between sedentary and moderately active people can stimulate higher levels of overall physical activity in a population. The model found that interacting with moderately active individuals helped sedentary populations become more physically active over time.
A study published in Body Image found that social media use is associated with lower appearance satisfaction. Engaging with content from friends and family was found to have a significantly stronger negative impact on appearance satisfaction compared to celebrities or influencers.
Researchers found that petting real dogs activates the prefrontal cortex more than stuffed animals, with increased brain activity each time interaction occurs. This effect persists after the dog is gone, suggesting a long-lasting impact of social bonding.
Researchers mapped the spread of pathogens in wild macaque populations near human settlements, finding that monkeys with high human interactions cause larger outbreaks. The study used computer simulations to predict disease transmission and identified key factors influencing outbreak size.
A recent study from North Carolina State University found that employees' relationships with coworkers significantly impact their sense of purpose and drive at work. The researchers discovered that employees who receive advice and support from their peers are more likely to feel a strong connection to the company.
The use of voice control smart devices in children may impede critical thinking, empathy, and compassion. Devices can't teach children how to behave politely and lack non-verbal communication skills.
A new study found that individuals experiencing stressful life events are more likely to notice their spouse's negative behavior, such as breaking promises or showing anger. This shift in focus can have a toll on the relationship, even during the 'honeymoon' phase.
A Trinity College Dublin study explores the intersection of identity, technology, and social dynamics in social virtual reality. Researchers found that avatars can represent intersecting characteristics, influencing users' social interactions and belonging to certain groups.
The MEMEX project promotes social cohesion by using AI and interactive tools to share community stories linked to cultural heritage. The exhibition features audio-visual stories from Lisbon, Barcelona, Paris, and Genoa participants who co-created their own digital content.
Researchers at Kyoto University designed a shared-laughter AI system to build empathy into dialogue between robots and humans. The system was tested on the Japanese android Erica, performing better than baseline models in evaluating empathy, naturalness, and human-likeness.
A new study identified a specific enzyme, PDE11A, responsible for memory loss in social interactions with age. By manipulating this enzyme, researchers may develop therapies to prevent or reverse age-related cognitive decline.
A new study published in Journal of Applied Social Psychology found that wearing a mask has no effect on the ease, authenticity, friendliness of conversations. Participants reported minimal difference in interactions between masked and unmasked individuals, suggesting masks do not impair most social interactions.
Scientists found that few components of an ant's waxy layer are enough to recognize nestmates from their own colony. The study also showed that adapting the wax layer to outside temperatures does not completely change the information used for recognition, but rather balances both functions.
Researchers found that increasing active listening and empathy in a firm's response can evoke customer gratitude, even if the actual failure is not yet recovered. The study shows that these strategies can be easy-to-implement implications for companies handling complaints via social media.
Horses with long-term relationships with owners are less stressed when encountering novel objects and surfaces. Research suggests that exclusive ownership and positive human interactions shape the horse's behavior, particularly in new or stressful situations.
A multinational study found that caregivers who consume digital media for relaxation are more likely to engage in negative parenting practices. The researchers also discovered that maintaining social connections through digital channels is related to lower levels of anxiety and depression.
A study by UC Berkeley researchers finds that a lack of sleep reduces the desire to help others, with real-world consequences. The study assessed brain activity in healthy volunteers and tracked online behavior over three nights, revealing a significant decrease in charitable giving after a night of no sleep.
A study published in Current Biology found that dogs shed tears associated with positive emotions, such as reuniting with their owners, suggesting a stronger bond between humans and dogs. Oxytocin may play a role in this emotional response, with researchers also noting that people tend to respond more positively to teary-eyed dog faces.
A West Virginia University researcher highlights the risks of sharing children's information on social media, including consent and privacy issues, as well as increased vulnerability to online predators. The study suggests that parents should be aware of these risks and take steps to protect their children's digital footprint.
Scientists at OIST Graduate University discovered the neural circuitry that enables juvenile zebra finches to learn songs through social interaction with a tutor. The locus coeruleus-caudomedial nidopallium circuit plays a crucial role in attention and arousal, guiding the bird's focus on the tutor's song.
A new animal study finds that testosterone can foster friendly, prosocial behavior in males, in addition to aggression. The hormone appears to help animals rapidly pivot between prosocial and antisocial responses as the social world changes.
A recent study highlights uncomfortable social situations people with blindness face, as well as strategies they use to navigate them. Researchers found techniques for avoiding awkward encounters, recovering from them, and even constructive ways allies can support individuals with visual impairment.
A new study published in the European Journal of Ageing found that having a partner had a greater impact on reducing loneliness among older adults during the pandemic's first wave. Not having a partner was the most significant factor, with those without a partner experiencing a higher risk of moving into loneliness.
A recent study published in Autism Research suggests that autistic adults are only slightly less accurate than non-autistic peers at recognizing human face emotion expressions. The findings contradict the common perception that individuals with autism struggle to understand others' emotions.
Researchers studied 31 children's social interactions with peers aged 2-4, finding they have more frequent and shorter interactions than great apes. Children learn quickly about coordinating behavior through exposure to multiple partners.
A new study found that experiencing the death of a spouse due to COVID-19 may be worse for mental health than deaths from other causes. People who lost a spouse to COVID-19 were more likely to report symptoms of depression and loneliness. The study underscores the ongoing health risks posed by the pandemic, even to those who have not b...
Scientists from the University of Tsukuba discovered that the lateral habenula brain region plays a crucial role in amplifying aggressive behavior in response to social interactions. Blocking this pathway eliminated increased aggression caused by social instigation, highlighting its significance in promoting aggressive arousal.
A new study by researchers at the University of Oxford found that ageing female wild red deer on the Isle of Rum in Scotland tend to adopt a life of solitude as they grow older. They interact with fewer other individuals within their home ranges and shift to less populated areas of their habitat.
A recent NTU Singapore study reveals that frequent use of videoconferencing platforms contributed to higher levels of fatigue among workers. The researchers found a significant link between increased videoconferencing usage and feelings of fatigue, with reliable internet connections unable to mitigate this effect.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute have discovered a specialized neural circuit in zebrafish that enables recognition of conspecifics. This pathway, which runs from the retina to the thalamus, triggers shoaling behavior and regulates social approach and affiliation.
Researchers at University of Zurich found that the presence of parents and caregivers mitigates pandemic's negative effects on social development in infants. Infants born during COVID-19 pandemic exhibit similar social behavior as same-aged infants before pandemic, with no significant behavioral differences detected.
A study from the University of Kansas found that social support was crucial in predicting good sleep quality among individuals with multiple sclerosis. The research, conducted during the pandemic, revealed that tangible and positive social interaction support significantly predicted better sleep quality.
Research by the American Psychological Association found that people significantly underestimate how much others will appreciate being reached out to. The study involved over 5,900 participants and explored the factors that affect appreciation for social connections.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis finds that positive social interactions are associated with a greater sense of purpose in older adults, particularly those who are retired. The study suggests that the quality of relationships and social connections play a significant role in shaping one's sense of purpose.
Researchers found that socially isolated bumblebees exhibited an increase in affiliative behavior, unlike expected aggression. The brain development of isolated bees showed similarities with group-reared bees, suggesting controlled chaos in the absence of social environment.
A new study suggests that developing culturally-sensitive interventions for Latino college students can help prevent problem drinking. The research found that ethnic pride was associated with significantly less drinking and alcohol-related consequences, while ethnic shame was linked to a higher likelihood of problem drinking. Familismo...
Researchers have identified a neural circuit responsible for detecting 'affective' touch and influencing social behavior in mice. Activation of this circuit triggers social bonding, while disruption leads to reduced social interaction.
Researchers analyzed 4,000 Facebook posts to understand how clickbait influences user engagement. They found that both headlines and text can 'bait' users into interacting with a post, with some techniques more successful than others.
A longitudinal study found that supervisors perceived as engaged leaders enhanced employee engagement via boosted personal psychological resources and team effectiveness. Engaged leaders also fostered a shared perception of available resources, leading to improved job performance.
A study by Florida Atlantic University psychologists found that classroom seat assignments have a significant impact on the formation of friendships among elementary school children. Students who were seated near each other were more likely to become friends, even after changes in seating arrangements were made.
Scientists at Tohoku University have identified specific brain wave patterns related to social behavior in mice. These findings provide a unified understanding of brain activity underlying social behavior and its deficits in disease.
A new study from the University of Missouri found that Himba pastoralists in Namibia are more likely to form long-lasting relationships with others who share similar desirable traits. This suggests that people's actual preferences may differ from their stated desires, and that similarity in desirability is key to successful relationships.