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Sketchplanations - The Podcast
Dunbar's Number
Jan 11, 2024
Biological anthropologist Robin Dunbar's research on meaningful relationships suggests that our brains can handle around 150 people. The podcast explores how this applies to social networks, the impact of social media, and its relevance in business and personal interactions. The hosts also discuss their experiences working in hospitality, the concept of favorites, team sizes, and cultural perspectives on Dunbar's Number.
38:00
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Quick takeaways
- The typical number of people we can maintain meaningful relationships with is around 150, a concept known as Dunbar's number, which is limited by the capacity of our brains.
- Understanding Dunbar's number has practical implications for team organization in business contexts, as it highlights the importance of keeping team sizes small to ensure effective coordination and collaboration.
Deep dives
Dunbar's Number: The Size of Our Social Networks
Anthropologist Robin Dunbar proposed that the typical number of people we can keep track of and consider part of our ongoing social network is 150. The concept suggests that our brains, despite the complexity of the modern world, have a limited capacity to maintain meaningful connections. Dunbar's research, which draws on studies of primate communities and historical examples, indicates different scales within this number, such as five loved ones, 15 good friends, 50 friends, and 150 meaningful contacts. While the number varies among individuals and cultures, it provides an interesting framework for understanding the size and dynamics of our social networks.
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