Do you rather look at your smartphone than strike up a conversation with a virtual stranger? A bad habit, according to scientists, because small talk makes for happier, healthier people.
Speak in the shop
A few years ago, researchers at the University of British Columbia conducted a simple study: they asked half of the people going into a coffee shop to make a social connection with the barista – to smile, make eye contact, and have a brief conversation. They asked the other half to complete their transaction as efficiently as possible – like they would do if they were in a rush. It turned out that people in the first group felt better and more satisfied with their visit than those in the second one. And the scientists said there was initial evidence that these effects were brought about by feelings of belonging.
Converse in the queue
A UC Berkeley study reinforced their finding that small talk combats loneliness and makes people happier with their environment. This time people waiting in line at an amusement park were encouraged to be social with nearby strangers. The study found that this made them feel that their wait was shorter and led them to rate the experience higher. However, despite such evidence of the benefits of making small talk, many people rather avoid it.
Blab on the bus
Researchers in the United States studied commuters on trains and buses to discover why people routinely ignore those around them. They found that we worry a lot about what might happen: We don’t want to break the ice because we fear being rejected or because we overestimate other people’s desire to be left alone. And we’re also concerned that if we do engage, we won’t be able to end the conversation.
For your own good
But the study also showed that overcoming these barriers has undeniably positive effects. The researchers concluded that for the sake of our own well-being, we should conquer our fears and embrace the opportunity to talk to the strangers we come across. So what are you waiting for?
Sources: HBR.org, journals.sagepub.com
Photo: Steven Guzzardi – Flickr
