Neuroscience reveals that social connection may be a biological necessity like food or water
By
Elizabeth Preston
Crackling crust, pillowy middle. The kind of bagel that earns a second cup of coffee.
Summary
This article explores the neuroscience of loneliness and social connection, presenting evidence that social interaction may be a basic biological necessity similar to food or water. It describes how mice and other animals display behaviors indicating loneliness, and discusses research into the neural mechanisms underlying the drive for social contact. The piece suggests that the need for companionship is deeply wired into the brain across species.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe formerly isolated mouse chatters in squeaks too high for a human to hear. She follows her sister, crawling beneath the other mouse's body as if trying to get a hug.
She looks like she's feeling what you or I feel when meeting a long-lost friend or a family member — maybe with more sniffing.
Loneliness isn't just for humans.
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