Talk openly with strangers: it brings happiness, improves health; Stay connected with people
Humans are social creatures, but many times they shy away from talking to strangers for fear of rejection. According to recent research, social interaction is very important and it also affects our health.
Socially active people are happier, healthier. They don’t feel lonely and they feel connected to people.
According to the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, a book on talking to strangers, most people are happy to talk to a stranger if they take the initiative. M. Sandström, author of the novel ‘Talking to Strangers’, said that he wrote the book to reduce the fear of talking to strangers.
The researchers organized a scavenger hunt competition for some participants from two universities. 29 tasks were given to the participants. They had to speak with a stranger who matched the details given. At the same time, some people were asked to observe strangers only. Points are awarded for each task completed.
After 1 week of talking, people started to hesitate less
A survey form was also filled by the participants at the beginning and at the end of the competition. The results of the survey proved that talking to strangers changed people’s feelings towards different things and situations for about 1 week. Along with this, people started to hesitate less while talking to strangers and their confidence also increased. At the same time, some changes were also found in people observing strangers.
People find new topics for further conversation
The results of the survey proved that repeated experience of talking to strangers can reduce people’s fear about talking to strangers. Also, it gives people new topics for further conversation.
