Roman Family Center for Decision Research

If being social is so good for us, why do we often choose to be unsocial?

Chicago Booth’s Nicholas Epley, in a recent opinion piece for The Wall Street Journal, points out that many of us are too pessimistic about how others will respond when we reach out.

Read: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-science-of-talking-to-strangers-eacab1f0

University of Chicago Booth School of Business Chicago Booth Review The University of Chicago

Opinion | The Science of Talking to Strangers People are too pessimistic about how others will respond when they reach out to connect with them.

Thank you to everyone who joined us last week for the Book Launch & Lunch with Professor Nicholas Epley! We were excited to host the unveiling of A Little More Social, a book that encourages us to embrace the joys of connecting with others.

A surprise book giveaway and book signing made the lunch even more special. We appreciate everyone who came out and helped build meaningful connections within The University of Chicago community.

💡 Watch Nick's TED Conferences 2026 talk: "The Simple Habit for a Happier Social Life.” https://www.ted.com/talks/nicholas_epley_the_simple_habit_for_a_happier_social_life

📘 Get your copy of A Little More Social today! https://sites.prh.com/a-little-more-social (Penguin Random House)

University of Chicago Booth School of Business Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab The University of Chicago Chicago Booth Review UChicago Hong Kong Campus UChicago Center in Delhi Penguin Random House Penguin Random House International USA

From the stage at TED 2026, Nicholas Epley (University of Chicago Booth School of Business) shares data from thousands of people who underestimated how good conversations with strangers would feel. Once they actually talked, their commutes and days became more pleasant. Could your next “awkward silence” be a missed opportunity?

💡 Learn more: https://www.ted.com/talks/nicholas_epley_the_simple_habit_for_a_happier_social_life

The University of Chicago Chicago Booth Review Mindworks Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab The University of Chicago

The simple habit for a happier social life We are wired for connection, and yet many of us spend most of our lives avoiding it, says behavioral scientist Nicholas Epley. Drawing on decades of research into happiness, loneliness and well-being, he reveals why we consistently underestimate how receptive others are to connecting — and invites...

Is small talk good for you? Nicholas Epley (University of Chicago Booth School of Business) joined Mary Dixon & Patrick Smith on WBEZ's Say More to discuss his new book, “A Little More Social.” Why do we choose to be unsocial when we get so much out of social connection?

🎙️ Listen: https://www.wbez.org/say-more-with-mary-dixon-patrick-smith/2026/05/19/is-small-talk-good-for-you

Why do we choose to be unsocial when we get so much out of social connection? Say More poses the question to listeners, and hears about what ways people are trying to connect with others.

Can talking to strangers actually make you happier?

Nicholas Epley (University of Chicago Booth School of Business) sits down with Indira Lakshmanan on Here & Now (WLIW New York Public Media), to explore how beginning conversations with strangers and having deeper conversations, rather than talking about the weather, can increase our .

🎧 Listen now:

'A Little More Social': Why you should talk to strangers more often | News | WLIW-FM The book explores how beginning conversations with strangers and having deeper conversations rather than talking about the weather can increase our happiness.

Exciting news from the Center: our Nicholas Epley’s much-anticipated "A Little More Social" is officially out today!

Epley reveals why we often hold back from connecting, even though it leads to more and health. He offers simple, research-backed habits that anyone can use to build stronger relationships and boost well-being.

📚 Get your copy today and experience the benefits of a more connected life! https://bit.ly/49Di50s

It's book launch day for Nicholas Epley! He started the day with WGN.

Next, catch him live on WBEZ 10:30-10:55am CT.