How to Be a Better Human Am I Normal? with Mona Chalabi: How many friends do I need?
Oct 25, 2021
Mona Chalabi, a data journalist known for her work on understanding societal expectations, dives into the realities of friendships in today's world. She discusses the emotional toll of pandemic isolation, revealing insights on how many friends we truly need. Evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar's research highlights how relationships evolve with life stages. Chalabi maps her connections against these norms, prompting listeners to reflect on their own friendships and the changing dynamics of social interactions in modern life.
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Post-Pandemic Loneliness
- Mona Chalabi describes her post-pandemic move to London and her struggle to reconnect with friends.
- She discusses the impact of COVID and life changes on her friendships, noting a sense of loneliness.
Dunbar's Number
- Robin Dunbar's research suggests that the number of relationships we can maintain correlates with brain size.
- This "Dunbar's number" averages 150, encompassing various relationship types.
Factors Affecting Dunbar's Number
- Dunbar's number isn't fixed; it ranges between 100-250, influenced by personality and age.
- Introverts maintain fewer, closer friendships, while extroverts have a wider, less intimate network.