"A growing body of social neuroscience reminds us that our brains evolved for closeness, not isolation. Functional imaging studies show that social rejection activates the same brain regions as physical pain, including the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (Eisenberger et al., 2003). Perceived social isolation reshapes the brain's default mode network, influencing empathy and mentalizing (Spreng et al., 2020). And social support buffers stress responses, lowering cortisol and reducing activity in threat-sensitive regions (Hostinar et al., 2014)."
"Every summer, I cross the Atlantic-sometimes with students, sometimes for conferences, always to see family. In sunlit plazas and narrow alleyways, in cafés and parks, I'm reminded how human existence flourishes when it moves at a grounded, relational pace. Children chase pigeons, grandparents linger over espresso, friends debate politics -not through tweets, but over wine. These scenes aren't about nostalgia; they're a glimpse of what's at stake as technologies like artificial intelligence increasingly mediate our social lives."
Everyday in-person interactions in communal spaces support grounded, relational living and reveal the stakes as digital technologies and AI increasingly mediate social life. Human brains evolved for closeness; social rejection activates brain regions tied to physical pain and perceived isolation alters the default mode network, affecting empathy and mentalizing. Social support lowers cortisol and reduces threat-sensitive neural activity, buffering stress. A meta-analysis of 148 studies found strong social relationships increase long-term survival by about 50 percent, an effect comparable to quitting smoking. Authentic human connection provides resilience and protection that AI companions cannot fully replace.
Read at Psychology Today
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