School of Psychology & Neuroscience

The coronavirus crisis has affected almost every aspect of our daily lives. One loss feels particularly devastating: close contact to friends, family and colleagues.

In our Conversation UK article (which was shared by the World Economic Forum), we briefly explore the neuroscience of loneliness, evidence-based intervention strategies and the role technology plays in alleviating the lockdown induced social isolation.

While important features of our usual social interactions (like embodiment and social presence) may be lacking in technology-mediated encounters, there are ways to boost feelings of connectedness - even in virtual spaces.

Follow the link to find out how scientists have found creative solutions to this challenge, and how our own research on social robots may inform this new reality we are living in: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/neuroscience-loneliness-technology-lockdown-coronavirus-covid-quarantine

 

- Anna Henschel and Professor Emily Cross

 

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First published: 16 January 2020