236: Rebuilding Social Connections with Natalie Kerr Ph.D., Social Psychologist

Redesigning Wellness Podcast

Connecting socially is an innate human need and one that was practically eliminated during the pandemic. For the past two years, we turned to social media, Zoom calls, and Netflix for our main sources of connection. Now that we’re going back into the office and gathering in larger groups, how can we ease back into being with each other and rebuild social connections?

Podcast guest, Dr. Natalie Kerr, is a social psychologist and a Professor of Psychology at James Madison University. Dr. Kerr enjoys sharing psychological science to help others improve their lives. Her current research focuses on the social psychology of loneliness, including interventions to help people feel more connected and less lonely.

In this episode, we discuss why social connection is so important and how we can come back together without extreme awkwardness. Dr. Kerr talks about loneliness and how the solution is counter to the advice of “just put yourself out there”. We discuss how nature can help build social connections and why we don’t reach out to people when they are going through hard times. Finally, Natalie leaves us with a warning about marketing programs to ease loneliness.

For links mentioned in today's episode visit https://redesigningwellness.com/