Recent research in social psychology is shedding new light on the powerful yet often overlooked social benefits of simple acts like making eye contact and engaging in small talk with strangers. At a time when loneliness and social disconnection are on the rise worldwide—including in Thailand—experts suggest that these small gestures are not merely polite, but serve as “psychological generosity” with tangible benefits for both individuals and society as a whole. The insights, published in The Conversation by a professor of social psychology, challenge the prevailing trends of tech-induced social withdrawal and make a compelling case for a renewed focus on everyday human connection in public spaces (The Conversation).
The rise of smartphones and headphones has transformed public life, with commuters, students, and office workers often consumed by screens and digital content, withdrawing into their own worlds. Rather than being a harmless personal preference, this habitual isolation can have far-reaching implications—reducing opportunities for casual social interaction, undermining a sense of community, and even exacerbating feelings of loneliness. In the United States, loneliness has been classified as an epidemic, with trust in others at an all-time low. Thailand, too, is experiencing growing concerns around social isolation, particularly in urban environments like Bangkok, where fast-paced city life and technology often trump traditional face-to-face engagement (World Economic Forum, Bangkok Post).
The research underscores that humans, as inherently social creatures, have an innate desire for connection—even with strangers. Everyday interactions, such as a nod, a smile, brief eye contact, or small talk at a coffee vendor, can spark feelings of belonging. These micro-gestures are described as acts of “psychological generosity”—intentional choices to expend mental and emotional energy acknowledging others. According to the professor of social psychology, just as people are selective about where they focus their attention to conserve cognitive resources, they can also choose to redirect some of that attention towards those around them, benefitting both themselves and their communities.
“Small gestures, such as eye contact or a smile, even from a stranger, can foster feelings of connection by signaling that our existence matters,” the researcher explains. When these acknowledgments are absent—when commuters hide behind screens and earbuds—many people begin to feel invisible or unworthy of others’ attention. This can snowball into a broader sense of societal disconnection, undermining public trust and mental well-being.
The idea of treating strangers with psychological generosity runs counter to the transactional mindset that often permeates modern urban life. Instead of viewing others as mere obstacles or background objects, psychological generosity asks us to recognize shared humanity in fleeting interactions. The article notes that actions such as tuning out digital devices, making intentional eye contact, and initiating casual conversation do not require significant effort or sacrifices. Crucially, studies suggest that these practices not only brighten another person’s day but also improve our own mood, foster wider community cohesion, and help rebuild social trust (Psychological Science, National Library of Medicine).
In Thailand, these findings resonate with longstanding cultural traditions of wai (the Thai greeting), smiling, and polite verbal exchanges, which historically have formed the bedrock of social harmony. However, as Thai society urbanizes and digital technology becomes more prevalent—particularly among the youth—some cultural experts warn that these customs may be in decline, replaced by more Westernized patterns of individualism and digital preoccupation. A faculty member at Chulalongkorn University’s Department of Psychology notes that “foreign influence and the rise of smartphones have subtly but steadily changed how Thai youth interact. Where once the norm was to greet and acknowledge others, now isolation has become more common, especially in Bangkok’s business districts.”
Moreover, the challenges highlighted by the research are not unique to Western countries. In Thailand, loneliness and social isolation are increasingly recognized as health risks. The Mental Health Department has reported rising cases of depression and anxiety linked to prolonged feelings of loneliness, particularly among young people and the elderly (Ministry of Public Health, Thailand), and government campaigns frequently encourage practices that reinforce social cohesion.
Expert opinions converge on the importance of small acts in counteracting these trends. A clinical psychologist affiliated with Ramathibodi Hospital explains that, “Even a simple smile or small talk with a food vendor or motorcycle taxi driver can trigger a positive psychological response, decreasing stress hormones and enhancing mood. This is especially vital for workers in cities, who report higher loneliness rates compared to their rural counterparts.”
Internationally, similar patterns have been observed. Research from the University of Chicago found that commuters who engaged in small talk with strangers reported higher levels of daily happiness compared to those who deliberately avoided such interactions (The Journal of Experimental Psychology). In Singapore and Japan, governments have launched initiatives encouraging social mixing in public venues—from “talk tables” in hawker centers to volunteer-run community events—demonstrating that small interventions can have widespread public health benefits (Channel News Asia, Japan Times).
Critically, the professor from The Conversation article addresses common skepticism: that the benefits to society of such small acts may not justify the personal “costs” of attention or emotional energy. However, the balance of evidence suggests otherwise—psychological generosity creates mutual gains, reinforcing individual well-being and the broader social fabric. Moreover, such habits, while requiring initial intention and effort, can become second nature and self-reinforcing over time.
For Thailand, the implications extend beyond individual happiness. In a multicultural, rapidly changing society, small social acts serve as bridges across generational, economic, and even linguistic divides. Historical practices, such as making merit at temples or engaging in “sanook” (fun-loving conversation), have long acted to unite communities. As Thai society confronts challenges like aging populations, migration, and urban sprawl, revitalizing these traditions through psychologically generous habits may prove especially important.
Looking ahead, experts suggest several actionable strategies for fostering greater daily connection, adapted for Thai contexts. Schools and universities can encourage students to set aside digital devices during breaks and model friendly greetings. Employers might adapt workplace layouts and break times to foster more informal conversation. Local governments and community groups could facilitate neighborhood “meet-and-greet” activities or revive traditional markets as social spaces. Even on Bangkok’s famed BTS—where the urge to retreat behind a screen is strong—public campaigns could nudge commuters to practice eye contact, smile, or exchange casual greetings, reinforcing a sense of shared urban identity.
For individuals, the recommendations from the research are both practical and attainable. Next time you order coffee, make eye contact with the barista and exchange a few polite words. Offer a smile to the security guard at your condo or mall. If you’re a student, greet classmates as you leave the lecture hall. Set your phone to silent mode while commuting and notice what, and who, is happening around you. These tiny acts, according to the research, accumulate into a more socially connected, happier society.
The Thai experience is a poignant reminder that connection does not have to involve grand gestures, intricate rituals, or deep conversations. Instead, it is built—and rebuilt—each day, in the simplest acts of acknowledgement and kindness toward strangers. In a world seemingly awash in digital distractions and drifting apart, the call to practice psychological generosity through eye contact and small talk offers a hopeful, science-backed recipe for social renewal.
For further reading, the full article is available on The Conversation.