The Human Need for Social Interaction
The Human Need for Social Interaction centers on the need to survive and procreate. As man has developed through time, the types of Social Interactions have evolved with him. Loose “packs” depicted of early man in historical recreations, which grew into tribes, finally to advanced social hierarchy. Each of the steps involves leaders and followers, as well as the young and old, sick and the healthy banned together in the basic need for survival. As the technology age hits full swing, ease of the pseudo social interactions comes with instant electronic communication. However, does it fulfill ones need for social interaction?
The Human Need for Social Interaction includes the production of personal pheromones and hormones that people are exchanging silently through the air as they interact with each other. We are the bee that pollinates the flowers of other humans. Without the subtle exchanges of Pheromones and Hormones, one becomes listless and lethargic, and can lose their sense of purpose in life. It can bring about depression anxiety and stress. Everyone has experienced this sensation if taken ill for a period of time and having withdrawn from the usual social routine, once returned there can be a slightly disconnected or surreal sensation as the body reconnects with familiar scents. (See: http://www.livestrong.com/article/107147-effects-pheromones/107147-effects-pheromones/107147-effects-pheromones/)
Social Interaction is also the teacher of acceptable behaviors in social situations, as we interact socially, we learn from the reactions of our peers as to what is acceptable. To the effect, that a “group” mentality can over ride the appropriate social behavior that one has known. As individuals, we desire the acceptance of our peer groups and follow the behavior patterns that are prevalent in the group; it takes a person with strong self-esteem and solid support system outside of the peer group to distinguish and assert their own socially acceptable values. Individuals without the support outside of the group will be susceptible to the group influences regardless if it is positive or negative.
The common belief that the Human Need for Social Interaction is integral to survival is not true for everyone, as there are many occupations and personalities that separate members from the society in general. The Human Need for Social Interaction is vital for most, as it gives a sense of community and security, as well as support. Our desire for Social Interaction comes, as individuals become the parts of a society that when brought together are greater then the whole. We live, we breath each other in, we watch and learn from each other, comparing, contrasting and defining ourselves as individuals against the masses, the Human Need for Social Interaction brings us together by our common threads, and separates us by our personal tastes and styles.
