The Loneliness Epidemic: Why Are We Avoiding Social Interactions? | Nick Epley

2024-10-21

Why do we avoid the very thing that could bring us more joy—connecting with others? In this episode, behavioral scientist and human interaction expert Nick Epley returns to the podcast to help Kurt and Tim explore the paradox of social connection. Despite living in a time often described as a loneliness epidemic, many of us still choose to limit our social interactions and shy away from new experiences. While we’re hardwired to thrive on positive connections, anxiety and inaccurate assumptions often hold us back. Nick she...

Why do we avoid the very thing that could bring us more joy—connecting with others?

In this episode, behavioral scientist and human interaction expert Nick Epley returns to the podcast to help Kurt and Tim explore the paradox of social connection. Despite living in a time often described as a loneliness epidemic, many of us still choose to limit our social interactions and shy away from new experiences. While we’re hardwired to thrive on positive connections, anxiety and inaccurate assumptions often hold us back. Nick sheds light on why we consistently underestimate how enjoyable social interactions will be—and how this leads to missed opportunities for meaningful connection.

Drawing from his research at Chicago’s Mindworks facility, where people from all walks of life participate in behavioral experiments, Nick shares fascinating insights into our social nature. His team’s real-world studies have uncovered how our expectations and assumptions can prevent us from fully engaging in new social experiences.

Tune in to learn how our beliefs can shape our social lives and how curiosity and openness can transform any interaction into something rewarding. Nick offers practical advice on how behavioral science can help us lead more connected, fulfilling lives. And hey, next time you’re getting your morning coffee, say hi to the barista—you never know where that small interaction might lead!

Topics

[0:00] Intro: Connecting with strangers

[9:50] Nick Epley and Mindworks research facility

[23:16] Experiments at Mindworks

[30:55] Insights from social interaction experiments

[39:34] The role of expectations in social interactions

[47:01] How to create positive interactions

[51:18] Grooving session: Curiosity, compassion, and engaging with strangers

Links

Mindworks

About Nick Epley

Mistakenly Seeking Solitude