Dr. Mhairi Bowe - Do we really need other people?

Skeptics On The Fringe presents: Dr. Mhairi Bowe - Do we really need other people?: Exploring the power and perils of social interactions.

According to the Chief Medical Officers if we want to live longer and better, we should exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and eat healthily - but what if all this advice misses something critical to health and happiness?

We've all experienced a sense of disconnection at times, maybe we have even felt lonely, but can this really affect your body and mind? Or, on other hand, does keeping away from others keep us safe from danger, tyranny, and discrimination? Using the classic and latest research in social psychology, we will explore both the perils of social interaction and the rich rewards. We will consider how connecting with others can extend your life, boost your self-esteem, and give you a sense of connection that will make you laugh more, let you help and be helped, and increase your chances of achieving your goals and managing stress – all with the aim of finding out whether we do indeed, need other people.

Dr Mhairi Bowe is an Associate Professor of Applied Social Psychology at Heriot-Watt University. Edinburgh. Mhairi’s research focuses on the links between social connection, identity, and health and well-being, exploring topics such as community belonging, social prescribing, volunteering, loneliness, marginalisation, and stigma.

All our events are free of charge as part of the PBH Free Fringe, but we will ask for a voluntary donation. Please note there are some steps in the venue so if you have motor difficulties, please let us know and we may be able to make other arrangements.

Additionally, attendance is free and no ticket is required. We operate on a first come first served basis. It's relatively rare that we fill up the function room, but please be aware that if things are looking busy, the earlier you get there the less chance there is of not getting in.