Why brains need friends : the neuroscience of social connection / Ben Rein, PhD.
"A neuroscientist's guide to boosting your brain health by living a more connected life, and thriving in a post-interaction world. How do our brains behave in a world where face-to-face exchanges are growing increasingly rare, often replaced with virtualinteractions? Renowned neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein delves deep into the science of social interaction, revealing how our brains are wired for connection and why modern life is challenging our ancient instincts. Packed with astonishing teachings from the world of neuroscience, Rein uncovers the intricate brain systems that drive our social behaviors with exceptional clarity, sharing how to leverage this wiring to your advantage and adapt in an ever-changing world. Enlightening and empowering, this powerfulbook explains the impact of social interaction on mind, brain, and body. You'll learn: The hidden dangers of isolation and why it increases the risk of death by any cause; the neuroscience of empathy and deep connections; why the brain experiences virtual interactions differently from in-person encounters; the science-and unexpected benefits-of likeability and the secrets of making a positive impression; how relationships with animals can support our health; how certain drugs like ecstasy enhance socialconnections, while others like pain killers impair them; practical strategies for improving your social life to maximize benefits to your mental and physical health. Weaving together cutting-edge scientific discoveries, storytelling, and practical adviceinspired by data, Rein reveals how our brains and our bodies are made stronger by connection, and why brain health is critical to our wellbeing"-- Provided by publisher.
Record details
- ISBN: 9780593850848
- ISBN: 059385084X
- Physical Description: xxi, 234 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm
- Publisher: New York, New York : Avery, an imprint of Penguin Random House, [2025]
- Copyright: ©2025
Content descriptions
- General Note:
- Includes index.
- Formatted Contents Note:
- 'No big words clause' -- Introduction: Three hard truths about our social lives -- I: How interaction and isolation shape brain health. Don't be shy: The hidden benefits of social interaction -- The only organ that gets lonely: How social isolation dismantles brain function -- II: Nurturing your brain in a post-interaction world. Building social habits: Working around the brain's natural limitations -- Empathy and apathy: A tale of perspective -- Anything you can do, I can do better: Animal interactions and what we can learn from them -- A virtual world: What do we get from online interactions? -- Tangled wires: How love, touch, and deep connections tickle the brain -- Becoming a better interactor: The science of likability -- Under the influence: How drugs manipulate the social brain -- Humanity's best friend: Why loving dogs is good for your brain -- Moving forward, together -- Social journal -- Acknowledgments -- Index.
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Available copies
- 7 of 10 copies available at NC Cardinal.
- 1 of 1 copy available at Onslow County Public Library. (Show)
Holds
- 0 current holds with 10 total copies.
Show Only Available Copies
| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville Main Library | 302 REI (Text) | 36015000755765 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Cliffdale Library | 302 REI (Text) | 31781069725156 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Henderson Main Branch | 302 R (Text) | 33258010550941 | Adult New Nonfiction | Checked out | 08/14/2026 |
| Hope Mills Library | 302 REI (Text) | 31781069725164 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Louisburg - Main Branch | 302/Rein (Text) | 72350000132753 | Adult New Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Madison-Mayodan Public Library | 302 R (Text) | 31554012323589 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Margaret and James Harper, Jr. Library | 302 REI (Text) | 31421621477596 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Mills River Branch | 302 R (Text) | 33258010550932 | Adult New Nonfiction | Available | - |
| Montgomery County Public Library | 302 R (Text) | 38198050029568 | Adult Nonfiction | Checked out | 08/18/2026 |
| West Regional Library | 302 REI (Text) | 31781069725172 | Adult Nonfiction | Checked out | 07/08/2026 |
Accessibility Features
Summary:
"A neuroscientist's guide to boosting your brain health by living a more connected life, and thriving in a post-interaction world. How do our brains behave in a world where face-to-face exchanges are growing increasingly rare, often replaced with virtualinteractions? Renowned neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein delves deep into the science of social interaction, revealing how our brains are wired for connection and why modern life is challenging our ancient instincts. Packed with astonishing teachings from the world of neuroscience, Rein uncovers the intricate brain systems that drive our social behaviors with exceptional clarity, sharing how to leverage this wiring to your advantage and adapt in an ever-changing world. Enlightening and empowering, this powerfulbook explains the impact of social interaction on mind, brain, and body. You'll learn: The hidden dangers of isolation and why it increases the risk of death by any cause; the neuroscience of empathy and deep connections; why the brain experiences virtual interactions differently from in-person encounters; the science-and unexpected benefits-of likeability and the secrets of making a positive impression; how relationships with animals can support our health; how certain drugs like ecstasy enhance socialconnections, while others like pain killers impair them; practical strategies for improving your social life to maximize benefits to your mental and physical health. Weaving together cutting-edge scientific discoveries, storytelling, and practical adviceinspired by data, Rein reveals how our brains and our bodies are made stronger by connection, and why brain health is critical to our wellbeing"-- Provided by publisher.
