Lonely people's brains are worse at deciphering social cues

Lonely people face several challenges in their lives that can make social interaction difficult. A recent study found that these people's brains may be less effective at deciphering social cues such as glances and gestures.

According to a study conducted at the California Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, lonely people have less gray matter in the part of the brain associated with deciphering other people's gazes and other social cues. As the researchers note, this is the neurobiological basis of loneliness.

For the study, the brains of 108 healthy adults were scanned and they measured their own loneliness using questionnaires. Lonely people were found to have less brain gray matter in the left posterior superior temporal sulcus, which plays an important role in social perception and building understanding between people.

In order to improve social perception and overcome loneliness, scientists recommend training. The study found that lonely people had difficulty determining the direction of gaze in faces, suggesting problems in deciphering social cues. However, using a smartphone app, scientists were able to train people in social perception and improve their understanding of social cues.

Thus, the study provides insight into how loneliness can affect the brain and social perception of a person. Training can help people with difficulties in social interaction improve their ability to decipher social cues and overcome feelings of loneliness.