Science Explains Why Smart People Are Better Off On Their Own

Jul 26, 2018

A new study has just revealed a surprising truth. Contrary to popular belief, socialization isn't always good for you. This is especially true if you are above-average intelligence.

If you live in a big city, you spend more time with people. However, the British Journal of Psychology theorizes that people in metro areas are more dissatisfied. Spending time with loved ones might help, but not enough. More intelligent people do not feel happier in social situations. In fact, the effect is quite negative. According to the study's abstract:

"More intelligent individuals experience lower life satisfaction with more frequent socialization with friends."

Smart people feel held back if they're around too many people for too long.

The survey examined 15,000 people who were 18-28 years old. The results were very consistent. Each respondent explained that they like spending time with people. So what impact does intelligence have? One researcher explains why. Intelligent people just don't choose to be social. They're more interested in achieving "long term goals."

Being smart has another social impact. People with intelligence don't care about preconceived social norms. That's because they're busy solving problems and focusing on their own interests. Less intelligent people tend to just go with the flow.

This term was coined in 2004 by the researcher Satoshi Kanazawa. The "Savanna principle" is a distinction between the past and present. It contrasts historical behaviors with modern ones. Kanazawa is one of the researchers in the British Journal of Psychology study.

Here, he applies the theory to social habits. In the study, he explains that our definitions of happiness haven't really changed over time. So smart people have been keeping to themselves for awhile!

All of this is not to say that intelligent people are loners or freaks! Like everyone else, they do still enjoy being around people. After all, it's been said that "man is a social animal." Socializing is good for you. It's just that socializing is less important to highly intelligent people.

Have you found yourself spending more time alone? You don't need to feel sad about that. Introversion is a sign of intelligence. You're smarter than you think!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!