Social micro-connections. the value of [social snacks].

In addition to deep and lasting relationships, brief and seemingly superficial social interactions with strangers, often referred to as "social snacks," can also contribute significantly to daily happiness and well-being.

We often underestimate the positive impact of these small connections.

The Wrong Assumption about Interacting with Strangers

Many people assume that interacting with strangers, for example, during a train ride to work, will result in a less pleasant experience than keeping to oneself by reading or using the phone.

There is a tendency to think that engaging in a conversation will be a waste of time or create discomfort.

This belief was confirmed in surveys of travelers at train stations, most of whom thought that talking to a stranger would make their journey less pleasant.

The Train Ride Experiment

To test this assumption, researchers designed an experiment in which they asked commuters to engage in one of three behaviors during their morning train commute: some were to try to make a connection with a stranger (find out something interesting about that person and share something about themselves).

Others were to remain in solitude, and a third group was to travel as usual.

At the end of the trip, everyone completed a survey about their feelings and the pleasantness of the trip.

Results Contrary to Expectation

Contrary to what most expected, people who were asked to form a connection with a stranger during their trip reported significantly more positive experiences.

Not only did they perceive their journey as more pleasant. They also felt happier overall after the interaction.

Importantly, they did not feel less productive than those that remained isolated.