Socialità

Sociability, a term often emphasized in today’s cultural context, is a concept concerning the very essence of being human. It is an intrinsic characteristic with deep roots in our evolutionary history, and today it takes various forms, both offline and online. But what exactly do we mean when we talk about sociability? In this glossary entry, we will examine various aspects of this important feature of our species.

What do we mean by ‘sociability’?

Sociability, in a broad sense, refers to humans’ ability to interact, connect, and form relationships with other members of their species. It is a fundamental aspect of our nature, an integral part of being human that manifests in various ways. Sociability can be expressed through friendshipEven though rudimentary forms of friendship are present in v... More, love, collaboration, communication, and belonging to social groups. From a strictly scientific perspective, sociability can be seen as humans’ innate tendency to seek contact and cooperation with others. This phenomenon is supported by a wide range of behaviors, emotions, and skills that underpin our social interactions. In recent decades, the term “sociability” has become popular. With the advent of social media and digital technologies, social interactions have taken on new forms and dimensions. Now, sociability is not only about face-to-face encounters but also virtual connections developed online. Online social platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, offer individuals the opportunity to connect with people worldwide, share experiences, opinions, and interests, and participate in global discussions. This greatly amplifies the reach of human sociability, creating an increasingly interconnected world.

Sociability helped us evolve

Sociability has historically been considered a primary human need. From an evolutionary perspective, early human communities thrived thanks to collaboration and cohesion. Resource sharing, mutual protection, and division of labor contributed to our species’ success. Today, the need for sociability is even more evident. Individuals constantly seek meaningful relationships, friendships, love, and connections with others. Lack of contact can negatively impact mental healthWhat is meant by mental health? According to the World Healt... More and overall well-being, as observed in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. Loneliness, for example, has been linked to psychological issues such as anxietyAnxiety is an emotional response characterized by feelings o... More and depressionDepression is a disorder characterized by persistent sadness... More. This is clear evidence of the profound importance of sociability in human life. Sociability is not just an aspect of our human nature; it has also been a driving force in species evolution. Cooperation was essential for human survival and success throughout history. In the early days of Homo sapiens, our ancestors hunted in groups, built shelters together, and shared knowledge and skills. This collaboration led to a division of labor that allowed greater specialization, accelerating cultural and technological evolution. Our brains evolved to facilitate understanding and managing complex social dynamics.

Sociability and Neuroscience

In exploring the vast and complex world of human sociability, it is crucial to consider the role of neuroscienceThe human brain is one of the most complex and fascinating s... More in understanding how our brains are involved in creating and managing interpersonal relationships. In this section, we will see how our nervous system contributes to shaping sociability and how recent discoveries in neuroscience have shed new light on the dynamics of human relationships.

The Social Anatomy of the Brain

The human brain is an incredibly complex and dynamic organ, and many of its structures are involved in sociability. Our brain has several specialized areas for perception, emotion processing, and understanding others.

• The Prefrontal CortexThe prefrontal cortex plays a fundamental role in numerous p... More. This brain region is often considered the center of social intelligence. High-level cognitive processes occur here, such as planning, moral reasoning, and theory of mind, which allow us to understand others’ intentions and thoughts.
• The Amygdala"The amygdala is a gray matter structure named after its cha... More. This small structure plays a key role in processing emotions, especially those related to fear and emotion. It is essential for evaluating social situations and recognizing facial expressions.
• The Reward SystemWith reward system, also called the gratification system, we... More. This system, including the nucleus accumbens and the cingulate cortex, is involved in perceiving pleasure and gratification. Rewarding social relationships activate this system, encouraging us to seek positive social connections and interactions.

Neurotransmitters and Social Hormones

Neuroscience specialists have discovered that neurotransmitters and hormones play a fundamental role in modulating human sociability. Certain brain chemicals influence our mood, trust, and ability to bond with others.

• OxytocinOxytocin is a hormone produced in the brain, specifically in... More: known as the love hormone, oxytocin is involved in forming social bonds. It is released during hugging, physical contact, and affectionate interaction, promoting a sense of trust and connection.
• DopamineA neurotransmitter found in the brain and central nervous sy... More: involved in reward and pleasure circuits. Positive social interactions, such as a friend’s smile or a message of appreciation, can increase dopamine levels, encouraging us to seek rewarding relationships.
• SerotoninSerotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a ne... More: plays a key role in regulating mood. Balanced serotonin levels are important to prevent anxiety and depression, which can negatively impact sociability.

Mirror Neurons: Empathy in the Brain

The so-called “mirror neurons” are another fascinating neuroscience discovery with a direct impact on sociability. These neurons are activated both when we perform an action and when we observe someone else performing it. This mechanism allows us to imitate behaviors and understand others’ intentions.

Mirror neuronsMirror neurons represent one of the most important discoveri... More play a key role in empathyEmpathy is a fundamental skill that allows us to connect wit... More, enabling us to share others’ emotions and experiences. When we see someone happy, our mirror neurons activate, making us feel joy as well. Conversely, when we see someone suffering, we can experience empathy and compassionCompassion is a positive emotion that arises when we not onl... More.

Neurological Disorders and Sociability

Neuroscience has been fundamental in understanding neurological disorders that can negatively affect sociability. For example, autism is a disorder that impacts social behavior and communication. Neurological studies have identified differences in brain activity and neuronal connectivity in autistic individuals.

Similarly, schizophrenia is a disorder that can severely affect social perception and communication. Neurological research has identified anomalies in brain structure and functioning of areas involved in sociability.

Neuroscience-Based Therapies and Interventions

Neuroscience has also contributed to developing therapies and interventions to improve sociability in people with neurological disorders or difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, has been successfully used to enhance social skills in individuals with autism.

Some studies are exploring the use of deep brain stimulation to treat sociability-related disorders, such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. This technique involves placing electrodes in the brain to modulate the activity of specific brain regions.

Sociability spaces: offline and online

Today, sociability manifests in two distinct but interconnected spaces: offline and online. In the offline space, interactions occur in person. This includes face-to-face conversations, friend gatherings, hugs, and handshakes. This type of sociability offers a more tangible and immediate experience, allowing richer nonverbal communication and deep emotional connections.

On the other hand, in the online space, social interactions occur via digital devices and screens. People connect through text messages, video calls, post comments, and sharing multimedia content. This space offers the possibility to connect with a global audience but can involve some emotional distance due to the lack of physical contact. Online sociability has become essential in modern life, allowing individuals worldwide to stay connected and access information and resources in unprecedented ways. Using these spaces wisely is important because sociability is not an end in itself. It is not just a means to satisfy the need for company but also a driving force for social change, collaboration, and personal growth. Interactions can lead to meaningful relationships, knowledge sharing, skill development, and mutual support. Moreover, sociability is crucial for building culture and identity. Traditions, norms, and values develop through sharing and passing information across generations. Sociability is fertile ground where ideas are exchanged, conflicts are resolved, and communities are built.

Sociability as an Emotional Intelligence Skill

A crucial aspect of sociability is the ability to understand and manage emotions, both our own and those of others. This skill is at the heart of Emotional Intelligence (EI), a concept coined by Daniel Goleman in the 1990s. EI involves emotional awareness, emotion regulation, and managing interpersonal relationships. For further details on EI, see the corresponding glossary entry. Here, we emphasize that Empathy (the ability to understand and share others’ emotions) and Social Skills (the ability to manage interpersonal relationships effectively) are two EI characteristics underlying sociability, as they influence the quality of our relationships and our ability to connect meaningfully with others. People with high EI are often able to navigate complex social dynamics successfully, building stronger relationships and supporting the creation of more cohesive communities.