A wave, a smile, or even a brief exchange of small talk with a stranger on the BTS might seem trivial, but new research underscores how such acts of “psychological generosity” can be transformative—both for ourselves and for Thai society. According to a new article by Professor Linda R. Tropp, published recently in The Conversation (theconversation.com), these tiny social behaviors—like making eye contact or greeting strangers—do much more than oil the wheels of polite society. They offer profound benefits to our psychological well-being, strengthen community ties, and help combat the creeping epidemic of loneliness, an issue not only facing the West but increasingly relevant here in Thailand’s bustling urban centres.
In Thailand, with the famed “land of smiles” persona, such social courtesies might be seen as second nature. Yet, urban life in Bangkok and Chiang Mai is rapidly mirroring patterns seen worldwide, where commuters are often immersed in their smartphones and less inclined to connect with people around them. As Professor Tropp, a social psychology expert, points out, “lots of people don’t actually engage with others much at all,” especially in public spaces where personal devices offer an appealing escape from potential awkwardness. “Curating daily experiences in these ways may appeal to your interests,” she writes, “but it also limits opportunities for social connection.”
This trend is happening in Thailand as well. As platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Line dominate the digital landscape—and public transport carriages fill with bowed heads and glowing screens—the opportunities for old-fashioned, face-to-face interaction are shrinking. That can come at a price. Despite the ubiquitous presence of social media, many people feel more isolated than ever. Recent studies reflect this reality, showing that increasing digital engagement does not necessarily foster genuine social relationships (Statista Thailand Social Media Use).
The research highlighted in Professor Tropp’s article illuminates a subtle yet powerful shift that everyday Thais can make: practicing “psychological generosity.” This is the act of intentionally directing your attention towards those around you—even for a brief exchange. Such minor gestures might include making eye contact, smiling, or engaging in polite small talk with a stranger in the elevator, on a bus, or in a crowded market.
Underpinning this is a hardwired human need: “Humans are social beings; we desire to feel connected,” the researcher notes. When we focus solely on ourselves—whether by design or habit—we can unintentionally send a signal of disinterest or dismissal to those nearby. Imagine standing in line for street food or coffee, surrounded by people absorbed in devices, with no acknowledgement or smiles exchanged: over time, this erodes our sense that we matter and belong.
Scientific research backs up these social insights. For example, a 2022 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that even short, “superficial” interactions with strangers can increase feelings of happiness and connection (PNAS, 2022). Other research has linked reduced eye contact and declining casual conversation in public to greater individual feelings of alienation and stress (PubMed).
Professor Tropp’s article further argues that such friendly gestures require deliberate psychological effort—what she calls moving from “transactional” to “relational” interactions. In other words, not treating every social exchange as a means to a personal end, but as an opportunity for meaningful connection, however fleeting.
Thai cultural norms already offer fertile ground for this type of social generosity. The Thai greeting wai, for example, is not merely a gesture of politeness but conveys respect, acknowledgement, and mutual goodwill. Historically, polite conversation and “sanuk”—the value of making things pleasant—have underpinned social interactions from temple grounds to city buses. Yet, as routines become rushed and work-life demands escalate, even these customs are endangered by digital distractions and the global “attention economy.”
“In the modern world where attention is increasingly fragmented,” noted a lecturer in psychology at a leading Bangkok university, “our mental resources are limited. But making eye contact or offering a smile costs us almost nothing, and signals to others that they are noticed and valued.” These seemingly small acts can—over time—help inoculate communities against loneliness and increase civic trust, according to experts (Bangkok Post).
The article also references historian Timothy Snyder, who emphasizes that eye contact and small talk are “not just polite—they are part of being a responsible member of society.” Such behaviors create invisible threads that tie communities together, building social cohesion even in large, anonymous cities.
For Thais worried about forgoing their digital shield in public, Professor Tropp’s recommendations are refreshingly practical. “Try turning off your device’s volume or putting it in airplane mode during a routine commute,” she advises. Observe whether your immediate environment feels less isolating. Opening yourself up to small talk, even with a tuk-tuk driver or wet market vendor, can yield surprising emotional dividends. The payoff is not just a personal uplift in mood but a greater sense of collective belonging.
Thai history offers supporting lessons. Traditionally, communities in villages across the country have thrived on a network of daily small exchanges: requesting help, sharing news, and mutually policing behavior through the casual observation of others. “Our sense of sabai-sabai is built on mutual recognition,” explained a senior social researcher from Chulalongkorn University. “Ignoring others, even unintentionally, chips away at that.”
Looking to the future, the encroachment of digital habits might continue to erode spontaneous social connections unless individuals and institutions take conscious steps to reverse the trend. Schools and workplaces can encourage friendly rituals—greeting each other in the morning, asking about each other’s well-being—even as digital collaboration increases. Local governments or transport operators might consider campaigns that promote greeting etiquette on buses and trains, reinforcing the idea that a smile or a nod is a form of civic virtue.
For Thai readers, the research signals a simple yet actionable message: preserving social harmony in the digital age starts with small gestures. Whether in the megamall, the food court, or in the neighborhood soi, taking a moment to acknowledge strangers with a smile, a nod, or a friendly chat can yield benefits that ripple through families, communities, and cities.
So next time you hop on the MRT or step into a crowded elevator, consider looking up from your phone, making eye contact, and exchanging a few words with those around you. These moments of “psychological generosity,” as the research describes, are more than just common courtesy—they’re an investment in stronger, healthier communities across Thailand.
For more information about the psychological and social benefits of everyday acts of kindness and sociability, see the full report at The Conversation.