The lethality of loneliness: John Cacioppo at TEDxDesMoines

Recent questions

• Why do people tend to be skeptical of scientific findings?

  People tend to be skeptical of scientific findings that challenge common sense beliefs about the mind and behavior. This skepticism arises from the fact that common sense observations have historically led to the belief that the Earth is flat, with stable ground and celestial bodies circling the Earth. However, scientific measurements and calculations have repeatedly shown that common sense observations can be misleading. This discrepancy between common sense beliefs and scientific evidence can create doubt and skepticism in individuals when faced with new scientific findings that challenge their preconceived notions.

• How does loneliness affect health and behavior?

  Loneliness is stigmatized but is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality, increasing the odds of early death by 45%. When individuals experience loneliness, it triggers a self-preservation mode in the brain, leading to negative effects on health and behavior. Loneliness can increase defensiveness, depressive symptoms, cortisol levels, and impulsive behaviors. Additionally, loneliness alters gene expression, impacting inflammatory biology and overall health. These physiological and psychological effects of loneliness highlight the importance of addressing feelings of isolation and actively seeking connection to promote overall well-being.

• What is the evolutionary advantage of the human brain?

  Our evolutionary advantage lies in our brain's ability to communicate, plan, reason, and work collectively. As social species, including humans, rely on collective abilities for survival and prosperity, our brain's capacity for complex social interactions and cooperation has been crucial to our success as a species. This ability to communicate, plan, and reason collectively has allowed humans to form communities, share knowledge, and work together towards common goals, ultimately contributing to our survival and advancement as a species.

• How can individuals promote connectedness in their lives?

  Individuals can promote connectedness in their lives by focusing on three components: individual connections, relational connections, and collective connections. Individual connections involve developing trust and confiding in someone, while relational connections entail spending quality time with friends and family. Collective connections revolve around engaging in activities larger than oneself, such as volunteering for causes, working in a museum, joining a running club, or interacting with elders at a retirement home. By actively seeking out opportunities to foster these connections and share good times with others, individuals can combat feelings of alienation, isolation, or exclusion, ultimately promoting a sense of connectedness and well-being in their lives.

• What are some self-evident truths that challenge common beliefs?

  Examples like opposites attract and birds of a feather flock together highlight self-evident truths that can't both be true. These common sayings challenge common beliefs by presenting contradictory yet seemingly self-evident truths. While opposites attracting and like-minded individuals flocking together may appear to be intuitive, they also showcase the complexity and nuances of human behavior and relationships. These self-evident truths serve as a reminder that common beliefs and observations may not always align with the intricacies of human interactions and social dynamics.