It's not the first time I'm writing about Steve Crane. Last year, I did a column (access the text here) with his suggestions on how to make new friends.
A researcher and specialist in behavior change support programs, he is a genuine evangelist of the importance of social connections: “Humans were made for each other,” he says. He also states that the evolution of the human species was grounded in cooperation and interdependence – which he calls “our superpower” – and explains why chronic isolation impacts health: Steve Crane: “Humans were made for each other” Disclosure “It's as if loneliness causes internal turbulence, which manifests physically and mentally.
Physically, it is associated with elevated cortisol levels, extra cardiovascular effort, and chronic inflammation; psychologically, it leads to a state of hypervigilance, rumination, and depression.” Crane adds that isolation erodes the support structures that protect us: “If an individual isolates themselves, it becomes harder to detect signs that they need help, and the response to an emergency may be delayed, compromising a favorable outcome.
There is also the issue of behavioral regulation: alone, a person tends to develop less healthy habits and this creates a cascade effect that will affect disease prevention and even the search for medical treatment.” Research indicates that social isolation increases the risk of premature death by 32% and the problem is present at all ages.
According to the Social Connection in America survey, nearly three-quarters of Americans (72%) meet with close people at most twice a month. Despite the ubiquity of social media, Crane warns about the fragility of our real relationships: 39% of people have at most two close friends they can count on in any situation. In 1990, the percentage was 16%, highlighting a decline in the number of friendships over the last 35 years.
Participation in collective organizations, such as associations, clubs, or religious communities, followed the same path of depletion. As an evangelist, he proposes “the six connection points” that can change this gloomy scenario.
In fact, these are behaviors capable of rescuing social ties and mutual trust, especially in environments that encourage socializing and camaraderie. They are: Neighborhood bonds: daily contact and the proximity network with those who live next door. Direct interpersonal relationships: one-on-one bonds in real life. Volunteer community work: engagement in actions and services aimed at local well-being. Leisure communities: groups that gather around recreational interests, hobbies, and playful activities. Identity communities: collectives that share identity characteristics, origins, or specific experiences. Third place (or third space): this is a concept by sociologist Ray Oldenburg.
The first place is home; the second is work. The third encompasses places where socializing happens spontaneously, such as cafes, squares, bookstores, and community centers. Now on g1.
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