What does lack of social interaction cause?
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Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) was associated with a 29\% increased risk of heart disease and a 32\% increased risk of stroke. Loneliness was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
New research on well-being conducted by bestselling authors Tom Rath and Jim Harter, PhD, reveals that a robust sense of well-being requires six hours a day of social interaction. Well-being is the sense of contentment and happiness one feels about life, and it makes a difference.
Is craving human interaction normal?
MIT neuroscientists have found that the longings for social interaction felt during isolation are neurologically similar to the food cravings people experience when hungry. Since the coronavirus pandemic began in the spring, many people have only seen their close friends and loved ones during video calls, if at all.
Fewer chances to socialize may make it harder or less motivating to seek out social interaction, the researchers explained. However, a lack of interest in socializing could also lead a person to seek out areas of residence that have fewer people, where social interaction is less likely to occur.
The idea is that smarter individuals are better able to adapt to the challenges of modern living, and are more willing to “leave the group” to forge ahead with their own, more fulfilling lives. Basically: intelligent people prefer to socialize less because they do not need that feeling of tribal belonging to find meaning in their lives.
Do you socialize less than your peers?
If you’re a relatively intelligent person, two things are likely true: you socialize less than your peers, and you have anxiety about whether or not that’s normal and sane and acceptable.
First, what we know: the study explained that evolutionary psychologists have discovered a link between frequent social interaction and reduced life satisfaction in people who are generally more intelligent.