This finding is significant because it reveals that neural similarity, which refers to how similar the brain activity patterns of different individuals are, is linked to a shared understanding of the world. This shared understanding is important for establishing social connections. People who suffer from loneliness are not only less similar to society’s norm of processing the world, but each lonely person differs in unique ways, as well. That uniqueness may further impact the feelings of isolation and lacking social connections.

Pretty fascinating research. With the link of neural similarity to establishing social connections based on shared understanding, the fact that loneliness is increasing in America will pose more challenges in “healing the political divide.”

This was a very interesting read! I laughed at the participant who fell asleep during the study.