Dr. Nick Epley, PhD, is a professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago and a leading expert on the science of social connection. We discuss how seemingly small daily interactions with strangers (as well as with people we know) can meaningfully improve our mental and physical health. Dr. Epley also explains how to reduce social anxiety using simple and easily accessible science-supported tools. We also discuss the data on assumptions — both the ones we and others make — and why so often those are wrong when it comes to social dynamics.
Show notes: https://go.hubermanlab.com/NaH2OiO
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Timestamps
00:00:00 Nick Epley
00:02:29 Assumptions about Other Thoughts; Inferring Behavior
00:09:03 Eye Gaze, Social Cues
00:14:27 Sponsors: Wealthfront & Eight Sleep
00:17:18 Tone, Voice vs Writing; AI; Public Figures & Ambiguity
00:29:59 Importance of Social Connection, Communication Types
00:37:18 Social Isolation, Self-Worth
00:42:33 Sponsor: AG1
00:44:16 Social Media, Conversation & Responsiveness
00:47:52 Social Connection & Cooperation; Adopted Children
00:57:04 Connecting with Strangers, Manners
01:02:52 Fear of Strangers, Tool: Small Moments for Connection
01:08:50 Sponsor: Function
01:10:28 Connection to Humanity, Strangers; Extroversion & Well-Being
01:22:26 Social Anxiety & Changing Beliefs; 100 Days of Rejection
01:33:52 Perceived Creepiness, Social Anxiety; Developing Social Skills
01:41:40 Sponsor: LMNT
01:43:00 Initiating Conversation, Testing Cues, Pessimistic Expectations
01:47:00 Social Gatherings; Blessings of Children with Down Syndrome
01:59:43 Parents, Shame, Children Challenges; Supporting Kids’ Pursuits
02:09:17 Outdoors, Hunters, Conservation, Social Connection
02:17:39 Modeling Social Interactions for Kids, Tool: Habits Awareness
02:27:42 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow, Reviews & Feedback, Sponsors, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter
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