“Living a Little More Social: The Unexpected Power of Choosing to Connect”

There's a fundamental paradox at the core of human life: we are highly social creatures who are made happier and healthier by connecting with other people. Yet we often avoid social connection even when it would improve our lives.

Over nearly two decades of research, Prof. Nicholas Epley has uncovered at least a partial explanation for this paradox: we tend to be overly pessimistic about how others will respond when we reach out to connect.

This Think Better talk will not only tell you about these mistaken beliefs and explain where they come from, it will also allow you to feel them and show you how to overcome them. Getting past these misplaced barriers is a meaningful step toward a better life and better connections with the people around you.

Attend In Person or Online

This hybrid event will be held in person at the Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago.

If you prefer to attend the webinar version, please register here instead.

Agenda

5:15pm - Doors open
5:30-6:00pm - Reception with beverages & hors d'oeuvres
6:00-7:00pm - Presentation and Q&A

About the Speakers

Nicholas Epley studies social cognition, exploring why smart, well-meaning people so routinely misunderstand each other. His research also examines social connection — why we underestimate how much other people want to hear from us, and why we pass up everyday chances to connect.

Epley received the 2011 American Psychological Association Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology. He currently serves as the John Templeton Keller Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioral Science at Chicago Booth and is faculty director of the Roman Family Center for Decision Research.

Epley is the author of two books: Mindwise: How We Understand What Others Think, Believe, Feel, and Want and A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection.

Contact the host of Think Better with Nicholas Epley