Nate’s Notes 44: Juliana Schroeder | The Consequences of Being Under Social

Juliana Schroeder is a global expert on how technology use is shaping our perceptions of others, and I look forward to trying to apply the lessons she taught.

First, most of us tend to be under-social. We underestimate how much we can benefit others and ourselves by being more social on the margins. When we’re concerned about being social for fear of looking foolish or that people won’t reciprocate our social gestures, we can remember that people tend to not judge our gestures, they just appreciate the kindness. And they also tend to reciprocate in kind.

When we have a chance to talk to strangers, give a complement, express gratitude, or provide constructive feedback, we can enhance the well-being of ourselves and others by choosing to be more social.

Second, we can be smarter with how we communicate. We’re objectively more connected than we’ve ever been, yet subjectively feeling more disconnected than ever, in large part because of how we communicate. A-Synchronous, text-based communication, cannot, and should not, entirely replace the richness of face-to-face, synchronous communication.

Cell phones and computers have forever changed how we communicate. However, Juliana reminds us that we are prone to use these devices in ways that don’t maximize our well-being. By taking the time to connect face-to-face with others, whether strangers or loved ones, we can improve the well-being of ourselves and others.

 It’s a simple idea. Please take it seriously. 

Juliana Schroeder Bio:

Juliana Schroeder is a chaired professor at Cal Berkeley where she teaches negotiation and leadership and conducts research on mind perception. She earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia in psychology and economics, with a minor in Italian literature, and then earned three more degrees from the University of Chicago: a masters in social psychology, a masters in business administration, and a PhD in psychology and business. I hope you enjoyed learning from Juliana Schroeder because I certainly did.