Our lonely brains can crave social interaction??
Shirin Saha
https://images.app.goo.gl/UKBjkQR8yJ3ixiRs8
The midbrain is the part of the brain that plays an important role in motivating people to find friends, food, or drugs. A study done by cognitive scientist Livia Tomova at MIT found that the midbrain causes people in isolation to crave human contact just as hunger makes them crave food. They used two groups of 40 participants, one group had to fast for 10 hours and the other were deprived from any social interaction (including social media, phone calls, and texting). After ten hours, the first group was shown pictures of pizzas and brownies and the other was shown pictures of people chatting. Both groups had certain nerve cells in the midbrain, the substantia nigra pars compacta and ventral tegmental area, fire. These nerve cells produce dopamine which brings reward. Generally isolated people, or introverts, had blunted responses. “Maybe being isolated doesn’t really affect them as much, because it’s something that is not that different, perhaps, from their everyday life” says Tomova. Put in today's perspective, the effect of COVID-19 is taking a toll on many people's mental well-being. It’s certainly an issue that needs further discussion.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/lonely-brains-social-isolation-people-mental-health
How are some ways we can prevent feeling lonely?
What are some distractions to help in doing so?
Does this study prove that social interaction is a primitive need for humans?
Do you think this phenomenon is common within animals?
The study proves that social interaction likely was craved by humans even in the past, we may have the stimulation in the brain because social interaction was necessary for survival. This phenomenon may appear in some animals, it would depend on how the social hierarchy for the species works. You can prevent yourself from feeling lonely during this time by keeping virtual contact with friends and getting involved in virtual activities which could serve as distractions.
ReplyDelete- Carissa Bersche
For prevention maybe we should all check in on our friends if we don't already, some distractions are getting into hobbies or games to play. I think this study helps understand the need of the human and can conclude humans do need some interaction. I also think this could be the same for most animals. Thanks for Sharing!
ReplyDelete-Tyler A.
I think this phenomenon is common with animals because animals have shown to get depressed especially social animals when they feel lonely. I think a way to stop people from feeling lonely especially during covid is to take to family and friends even if its through text or video about your mental state.
ReplyDelete-Angeline Upchurch
Thank you for sharing this, I think this is a really timely subject with all the isolation happening right now. Humans are social creatures, we need interaction with other people. Some ways we can prevent feeling lonely is by reaching out to family and friends and making fun plans to look forward to. This could be playing a video game online with your friend, face timing a family member, etc. Also, to seek out professional mental health help if need be. I do believe this phenomenon is common among other animals.
ReplyDeleteTrinity Mathis
I don't really mind being isolated because I am an introvert, so I spend most of my time alone away. But I guess for more extroverted people FaceTime calls, or talking to family around them might make them feel better. And social animals also have a need for social interaction or else they'll feel depressed.
ReplyDelete-Ilori
I think that sometimes feeling lonely is unpreventable, there are many times when even being around friends humans will still feel alone or not entirely connected to the people around them. Although, especially in times like this i believe the best way to keep from being lonely would be making sure to check up on friend with text and phone calls! Also, there are still ways to hang out with friends in a safe way by wearing mask or just making sure you're a safe distance away!
ReplyDelete-Raquel Morgens
I do think humans need some sort of social interaction but I also think some people like being alone and away from people. I think some ways we can prevent feeling lonely is exercising, adopting a pet, staying contact with family, and volunteer to help people.
ReplyDelete-Alyssa Butts