Engaging in new conversation
Many people find themselves not talking to new people, why? This study explores whether spending time alone or engaging in new conversations is a more positive experience. The experimenters gave commuters on trains and buses the option of connecting with a stranger nearby, staying unconnected, or traveling normally to explore the experience of connecting to strangers. (Experiments 1a and 2a). Participants in both situations felt that connecting with others was more enjoyable (and no less productive) than not connecting.
