We must cultivate our social biome
The importance of chatting, in person and about as many topics as possible
G-Club
April 21st, 2025
April 21st, 2025
Looking around, it often feels like we’re more connected than ever, yet less truly connected: we follow, spy, comment, but rarely talk face-to-face—whether due to lack of time or some form of social anxiety. However, a series of studies cited in this article has shown how a meaningful conversation can have a positive impact on our mood and overall wellbeing. It’s about shaping and nurturing our social biome, a term coined by Jeffrey Hall, professor at the University of Kansas, and Andy Merolla, professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, to define the entire spectrum of our interactions. As explained in their book The Social Biome: How Everyday Communication Connects and Shapes Us, a healthy social biome is characterized by variety: the people we talk to, the types of conversations we have, and even the time we spend alone with ourselves.
Coffee break chat: why it matters
It may sound trivial, but having a quick chat with coworkers at the coffee machine or exchanging a few words with your neighbor in the stairwell actually impacts your daily wellbeing. Every interaction we have, no matter how shallow or seemingly insignificant, is a building block of our identity and worldview. The more diverse these interactions are, the more likely we are to develop ideas and beliefs that aren’t one-sided but shaped by the world around us. Hall and Merolla recommend pushing ourselves to discuss a wide range of topics with a wide range of people. It’s the exact opposite of what happens on social media, where we often find ourselves trapped in bubbles (or echo chambers) filled with people who think exactly like we do, thus avoiding critical and constructive exchange.
@theconversationalist Let’s break down what an echo chamber is before we break the echo chamber itself Echo Chambers are created when we only surround ourselves with views that solidify our own. When we spend time in this kind of environment, online or in real life, the harder it is to conceive of alternate points of view. We want to know, how would you define echo chamber? #povz #genz #message #awareness #echochamber #algorithm #socialmedia #theconversationalist original sound - The Conversationalist
The secret to happiness: one quality interaction a day
It’s also important to carve out time for at least one quality interaction a day. That doesn’t mean you have to be a master conversationalist—it can also mean being a good listener. Even the most casual small talk matters. As Hall and Merolla explain, these moments are essential for building and maintaining our connections. And speaking of connection, we should remind ourselves of the limits of technology: no WhatsApp message, email, or Instagram story can ever match the power of a real, in-person conversation. Only face-to-face communication allows for shared space, eye contact, physical presence, and a sense of empathy that can be dulled when filtered through a screen.
@superkeara Please reexamine your biome centric worldview #socialjustice #activism #girlboss #equality #comedy original sound - Keara Sullivan
Learning to be alone
Last but not least, the true secret to being comfortable around others is learning to be with yourself. Moments of solitude are essential for a balanced social life: they allow us to recharge, relax, and process everything that happens while we’re out in the world. Being alone should become a daily practice (or close to it), a time to focus on ourselves, even if just for a few minutes. Take a walk, listen to music, eat while reading a book, or treat yourself to a more elaborate skincare routine. And don’t forget to check in with yourself—reflect on what makes you feel good and what needs to change. Only then will you be ready to reenter the world: to chat, converse, laugh, and connect. It all comes down to nurturing your social biome.