In this episode, we have a wonderful and wide ranging conversation with Dr. Ben Rein, author of the upcoming book “Why Your Brain Needs Friends,” about a number of topics, including:
How Dr. Ben Rein’s fascination with social behavior and empathy led him from psychology to neuroscience.
Why he believes social connection is as essential for brain health as sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
The neurological mechanisms behind introversion, extroversion, and our individual “social battery.”
How the COVID-19 pandemic and modern technology have reshaped our social habits.
The surprising power of micro-interactions, or brief exchanges with strangers, to improve mood and restore faith in humanity.
What research reveals about the balance between quality and quantity of social contact.
How virtual interactions compare to real-life contact and what’s lost when social cues are stripped away.
Dr. Rein’s Virtual Disengagement Hypothesis about why online communication can erode empathy and fuel hostility.
Practical strategies for restoring real-world connection in an increasingly automated world.
How Dr. Rein approaches social media as both a science communicator and a target of online hostility.
What he learned from confronting misinformation on platforms like TikTok and from leading a public campaign that pushed Spotify to adopt a misinformation policy.
Why he believes scientists must embrace nuance and transparency to rebuild public trust in science.
