Intelligence Squared The Science of Friendship, with Robin Dunbar and Helen Czerski
Mar 16, 2021
Robin Dunbar, a world-renowned psychologist, dives into the fascinating world of friendship and social connections. He reveals how friendships significantly impact our happiness and health, sometimes more than quitting smoking. The discussion highlights unconventional bonding methods like laughter and shared experiences, especially in a post-pandemic world. Dunbar also explores how friendships evolve with age and the cultural factors that affect our connections. You'll learn why nurturing friendships is essential for resilience and well-being.
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Friendship's Impact
- Friendships significantly impact happiness, health, and mortality risk, even more than most medical interventions.
- Close friends offer crucial social and emotional support, especially during difficult times.
Grooming and Social Complexity
- Human friendships mirror primate grooming behavior, releasing endorphins that promote bonding and well-being.
- The social world's complexity demands sophisticated cognitive and social skills for successful navigation.
Human Grooming
- Human grooming includes stroking, hugging, and cuddling, triggering endorphin release at specific speeds and pressures.
- These actions promote bonding, relaxation, and strengthen social connections similarly to grooming in primates.
