While most studies on social connectedness focused only on the benefits of this mechanism, Waytz and Epley identified negative outcomes as well, by claiming that social connection enables dehumanisation. Based on the concepts on social connection, dehumanisation and the need to belong, presented in this paper, the following hypotheses were drawn: social connection would not increase dehumanisation and dehumanisation would be associated with the need to belong. Results of the described experiment confirmed the original presumption partially; they proved that social connection does not enable dehumanisation, however, it is not related to the need to belong. Results of the experiment are being discussed in relation to validity of the original
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Social connection
Social connectedness has been the topic of numerous studies from different fields. Each subfield of psychology has a slightly different definition of this phenomenon, based on the width of the term’s scope.
Developmental psychology defines social connection as a basic human need, which can be fulfilled by affectionate relationships (Seppala, Rossomando, & Doty, 2013). According to Fromm-Reichmann (1959), the mother-child bond created in early childhood can influence the ability to connect to others in later years. However, she also states that it is malleable and it can be changed by intervention through therapies or new experiences and relationships. Clinical psychologists use the term “social support”, which is a broader version of social connectedness. It includes emotional connection, as well as instrumental support (e.g. money) or informational (e.g. advice) and evaluation support (e.g. data about self: opinion, social comparison; Seppala et al., 2013). Personality theorists also use a broader definition of social connection. It consists of feelings of close relationship, compassion, and people-orientation (Lee & Robbins, …show more content…
More recent definitions characterise social connection as social interactions, close as well as distant relationships (e.g. with relatives, friends, colleagues, or people from the community) and webs of connections. These relationships bring numerous gains and benefits to the individual, like the feeling of being appreciated, being important to someone or to society, and being cared for (Marsh, Watts, 2012; Quigley & Thornley, 2011; Ministry of Social Development of New Zeland, 2016). Social psychologists, sharing the views of developmentalists, agree that it is crucial to human survival to have positive relationships with others – it is a primary need, a physiological and safety requirement (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Maslow, 1943). It also gives a sense of identity to the individual and a sense of social belonging (Kohut, 1984). One study proposed the division of these social relationships, which are so necessary to the well-being of people, into three categories, based on the level of closeness of the relation: (1) personal (family, close friends, significant others), (2) connection to broader network of friends, and (3) general connection to the community (Kelly et al., 2012). Numerous studies have proven that social connection induces prosocial behaviour (see: Holland, Roeder, van Baaren, Brandt, & Hannover, 2004; Neto
Social connection
Social connectedness has been the topic of numerous studies from different fields. Each subfield of psychology has a slightly different definition of this phenomenon, based on the width of the term’s scope.
Developmental psychology defines social connection as a basic human need, which can be fulfilled by affectionate relationships (Seppala, Rossomando, & Doty, 2013). According to Fromm-Reichmann (1959), the mother-child bond created in early childhood can influence the ability to connect to others in later years. However, she also states that it is malleable and it can be changed by intervention through therapies or new experiences and relationships. Clinical psychologists use the term “social support”, which is a broader version of social connectedness. It includes emotional connection, as well as instrumental support (e.g. money) or informational (e.g. advice) and evaluation support (e.g. data about self: opinion, social comparison; Seppala et al., 2013). Personality theorists also use a broader definition of social connection. It consists of feelings of close relationship, compassion, and people-orientation (Lee & Robbins, …show more content…
More recent definitions characterise social connection as social interactions, close as well as distant relationships (e.g. with relatives, friends, colleagues, or people from the community) and webs of connections. These relationships bring numerous gains and benefits to the individual, like the feeling of being appreciated, being important to someone or to society, and being cared for (Marsh, Watts, 2012; Quigley & Thornley, 2011; Ministry of Social Development of New Zeland, 2016). Social psychologists, sharing the views of developmentalists, agree that it is crucial to human survival to have positive relationships with others – it is a primary need, a physiological and safety requirement (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Maslow, 1943). It also gives a sense of identity to the individual and a sense of social belonging (Kohut, 1984). One study proposed the division of these social relationships, which are so necessary to the well-being of people, into three categories, based on the level of closeness of the relation: (1) personal (family, close friends, significant others), (2) connection to broader network of friends, and (3) general connection to the community (Kelly et al., 2012). Numerous studies have proven that social connection induces prosocial behaviour (see: Holland, Roeder, van Baaren, Brandt, & Hannover, 2004; Neto