Vitamin S: Why is social contact, even with strangers, so important to well-being?

Question 1

What is the importance of social contact?

Answer 1

• Social contact is associated with happiness.
• Social contact acts as a buffer to life stress.

Question 2

What is the first proposition of this research?

Proposition 1: Benign Interaction Situations

Answer 2

• Most interactions with strangers are benign.
• Corresponding interests, medium dependence, and equal power are common.
• Positive association of corresponding interests with cooperation.

Question 3

What is the second proposition of this research?

Proposition 2: Kindness of Strangers

Answer 3

• Strangers are generally benign.
• Social mindfulness: Being thoughtful of others in the present moment.
• People display kindness even in high-cost situations.

Question 4

What is the third proposition of this research?

Proposition 3: Well-being from Interactions

Answer 4

• Importance of weak ties for happiness.
• People in good moods, likely to encounter kindness.
• Short-term happiness boost for both parties in social contact.

Question 5

What is the added value of interacting with strangers?

Answer 5

• Strangers are less likely to spread private information.
• Potential for diverse backgrounds, opinions, and information.
• Opportunities for suggestions, advice, and skill learning.