素材記事： https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_hidden_power_of_talking_to_strangers
素材写真： UnsplashのDeva Darshanが撮影した写真のDeva Darshanが撮影したイラスト素材
The idea that “talking to strangers is both good for our own well-being and helpful for society at large” is actually beginning to be confirmed by recent research in positive psychology.
“When you talk to a stranger, you usually walk away feeling a bit happier and more connected, which we know is so important for humans.” I think this is something many of us have actually experienced. But it’s not always easy. For someone like me—who’s extremely shy—it’s quite a challenge.
But recent research has actually shown that it also has positive effects on society. Of course, there are significant benefits for us as individuals, too.
A helpful hint is this: “We also know that weak ties—for example, acquaintances—give us access to a wider range of information.” Everyone knows that even if you aren’t close friends with someone, simply including people you’ve just met can instantly expand your network. It seems the key lies in this area.
If you can, please try striking up a conversation with a stranger.
「talking to strangers is both good for our own well-being and helpful for society at large」というのは、実は最近のポジティブ心理学の研究によって明らかにされつつあります。
「When you talk to a stranger, you usually walk away feeling a bit happier and more connected, which we know is so important for humans.」でして、これは我々の多くも実際に体験していることだと思います。でもなかなか難しい。私なんて 超絶人見知りなので、かなり困難です。
でも実は、社会のためにもポジティブな効果があることが最近の研究で判明しているんですよね。もちろん我々 個人にも大きな利益がありますし。
ヒントになるのは、「We also know that weak ties for example, acquaintances give us access to a wider range of information.」でして、かなりの仲良しでなくても、ちょっと知り合った人たちも含めると、人脈が一挙に広くなることは誰でも知っています。この辺りに鍵がありそうですね。
皆さんも可能ならば 是非、知らない人に話しかけてみてくださいね。
