Why Do People Need to Socialize?
Socialization produces feelings of happiness, reduces stress, anxiety and depression and even improves cognitive function, quality of life and longevity. Humans are, by nature, social creatures. People of all ages, genders and personalities derive benefits from interacting with others, but respond to social stimuli in different ways.
Some people, classified as extroverts, need constant social stimulation. Extroverts regularly attend parties, dances and social functions. They thrive on interactions with others; the more talk and action, the better. Introverts, in contrast, need some socialization but require time alone as well. Extroverts and introverts derive the same benefits from engaging in social interactions, even though the volume and frequency of mingling with others varies. Both personality types reap the benefits of happiness and sense of satisfaction derived from engaging in conversations and sharing ideas and opinions with others. Engaging in small talk generates feelings of happiness, but deep and meaningful conversations produce more.
Women benefit from social interaction by caring for others and acting as friends. They even enjoy longer life expectancy from emotional connections and intimate interactions. More social people of all ages see greater levels of mental and physical activity than less social peers. According to the National Institute on Aging, social stimulation improves health and minimizes cognitive decline among the elderly. Even small doses of human interaction produce results. Activities like group exercise, board games and eating meals with others produce social stimulation and satisfaction.
