This hits differently in our post-pandemic world. Your piece subtly underscores how isolation is a public health crisis.
The Tim/Rob comparison is such an elegant way to illustrate how relationships regulate our nervous systems. Do you think digital connection (voice notes, texts) triggers the same buffering effect as physical proximity?
Totally. I was thinking of including a piece about how relevant this is during our era, where we’ve come to see WFH isolationism as “normal.”
My understanding of the research is that it’s primarily a familiar voice that triggers the feeling of herd safety. However, after a quick glance, it seems there have been studies on the social buffering effect with texting, and it does appear to have at least some of the same benefits (my guess would be — to the degree that it’s able to convey familiarity).
Ah so THAT'S why the shtetl life is so valued - you always knew there was someone nearby to socially buff 💪 it out :)
( Oh and this reminds me of somewhere in a Malcolm Gladwell book where he talks about why people in a certain Italian town lived a long life with virtually no heart issues and was incomparable to other regions - because in that town they had many houses with a few generations living in it and the family acted as a form of mini community keeping everyone " socially buff" 💪 😀)
This hits differently in our post-pandemic world. Your piece subtly underscores how isolation is a public health crisis.
The Tim/Rob comparison is such an elegant way to illustrate how relationships regulate our nervous systems. Do you think digital connection (voice notes, texts) triggers the same buffering effect as physical proximity?
Totally. I was thinking of including a piece about how relevant this is during our era, where we’ve come to see WFH isolationism as “normal.”
My understanding of the research is that it’s primarily a familiar voice that triggers the feeling of herd safety. However, after a quick glance, it seems there have been studies on the social buffering effect with texting, and it does appear to have at least some of the same benefits (my guess would be — to the degree that it’s able to convey familiarity).
Great insight!
Ah so THAT'S why the shtetl life is so valued - you always knew there was someone nearby to socially buff 💪 it out :)
( Oh and this reminds me of somewhere in a Malcolm Gladwell book where he talks about why people in a certain Italian town lived a long life with virtually no heart issues and was incomparable to other regions - because in that town they had many houses with a few generations living in it and the family acted as a form of mini community keeping everyone " socially buff" 💪 😀)
Interesting experiment. I enjoyed your lively description.
Yes, I agree! Thanks for the feedback :)