Building Your Social Life With Wonder and Curiosity

Key points

Sharing moments of awe and wonder can open us to new connections and meaningful conversations.

Research shows social trust has declined recently, but awe experiences can ease our openness to connect.

Shared awe and wonder experiences restore our trust in humanity and prosocial activities.

Sharing awe with others gives us opportunities to step away from our screens and devices.

Have you ever noticed that when you’re amazed by something (at a concert, a sports event, or gazing at a sunset with others), you forget your social anxiety and worries—at least for a minute? For a magical moment, you felt the glow of connection to the people around you and a sense of belonging or oneness. Something astonishing drew your attention beyond your busy headspace out into the wider worl