Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman cover image

Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman

Ep56 "Why do we care so much about touch?"

Apr 22, 2024
Delving into the importance of touch in human perception, the podcast explores topics like the role of touch receptors, pain perception, and the significance of touch in brain function. It discusses curious sensations like why a cold pool feels warmer the second time and the different experiences of stubbing your toe. Touch's impact on relationships, mental health, and cultural differences in communication is also examined in a lively and informative manner.
43:06

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Touch is essential for emotional connections and cognitive development, influencing language and social judgments.
  • The skin's diverse touch receptors provide detailed sensory feedback, with touch playing a key role in communication and social bonding.

Deep dives

Importance of Touch in Brain Development and Social Bonds

Touch plays a critical role in brain development, as evidenced by studies on monkeys that showed touch deficiency led to behavioral issues. It is essential for maintaining healthy emotional connections and physical well-being. Touch not only conveys emotion but also shapes cognition, forming the basis of our understanding of the world and social interactions. Embracing embodied cognition, touch influences language development and social judgments, reflecting the deep connection between physical sensation and mental processes.

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