Social Intelligence

Evolutionary thinkers, social scientists and psychologists speculate that the social brain  and social prowess-not cognitive superiority or physical advantage-may be what allowed Homo sapiens to eclipse other humanoids.

 The major functions of the social brain-interaction skills and synchrony, empathy, social cognition, and concern for others-all suggest strands of social intelligence

 We are wired to connect. Neuroscience has discovered that our brain’s very design makes us sociable.

 Science now tracks connections between the kind of relationships and the operation of specific genes that activate T-cells, the immune system’s foot soldiers that regulate our immune system. The link has a double-edged sword: nourishing relationships have a beneficial impact on our heath while toxic relationships act like slow poison in our bodies. We all have capacities within us to manage our own emotions and work on our interpersonal relationships. Our social interactions play a role in reshaping our brain though neuroplasticity. Repeated experiences sculpt the shape, size and number of neurons and their synaptic connections. They refashion our brain. Our positive relationships can buffer us from medical and mental health disorders.

 Our human connections seem increasingly under siege. There is a spike in violence. Healthy inter actions between real people are slowly declining. Humans around the world are connecting- and disconnecting- as technology offers more outlets. People are everywhere, somewhere and at times nowhere! Constant digital connectivity keeps us busy. Working, even when we are on vacation. 

 Emotions are contagious. We “catch” strong emotions. We can make each other feel better or worse. Beyond what transpires in the moment, we can retain a mood that stays with us long after the direct encounter ends-an emotional afterglow or “afterglower” or hangover.

 When we encounter danger or even anticipate or think about danger, the amygdala, an almond- shape area in the mid brain triggers fight, flight or freeze response to danger, shepherding our thoughts, attention and perception toward whatever has made us afraid.

 The give and take of feelings in every transaction is termed emotional economy.