So it seems that we’re affected by the company we keep.
What a shock.
In this article at NewScientist, Michael Bond writes:
Recent research shows that our moods are far more strongly influenced by those around us than we tend to think. Not only that, we are also beholden to the moods of friends of friends, and of friends of friends of friends – people three degrees of separation away from us who we have never met, but whose disposition can pass through our social network like a virus.
Fracas would like to know how this is new research, when it’s what I’ve been telling my teenagers for the better part of the last five years? Is it that before now, no one’s actually done the research, or is it that I’m some kind of fraccing genius, more than a few steps ahead of the good folks at NewScientist?
I’d like to think the latter. If you try burst my bubble, you’ll be sorry. I’ll whinge until you’re just as miserable as I am about it.
A fair way into the article, we’re given a five pointer list that frankly, could’ve been recited by the flies on my kitchen wall… if ever a fly was allowed to survive in the fraccy home… but you get the idea.
We’re advised:
Five tips for a healthier social network
1. Choose your friends carefully.
2. Choose which of your existing friends you spend the most time with. For example, hang out with people who are upbeat, or avoid couch potatoes.
3. Join a club whose members you would like to emulate (running, healthy cooking), and socialise with them.
4. If you are with people whose emotional state or behaviours you could do without, try to avoid the natural inclination to mimic their facial expressions and postures.
5. Be aware at all times of your susceptibility to social influence – and remember that being a social animal is mostly a good thing.
While all this is certainly well and good and not to be disputed (since I have been giving that very advice for years) I found a pin-worthy moment at the end.
Upon reading their disclaimer, I found this little gem:
If you would like to reuse any content from New Scientist, either in print or online, please contact the syndication department first for permission.
Indeed. Had I wanted to reuse this lengthy article rather than just quote reasonable portions from it, I’d have been sure to do so, but, given that the article is full of advice that I swear I’ve given my own kids for years… I’d like to know when the good folks at NewScientist ever contacted me to ask permission to reuse my content.
The nerve.
At any rate, should you find yourself foul and miserable in life, remember what you’ve learned today…
Blame your friends (or listen to your mother).
Testing the gravatar…