We Are Hardwired for Connection

The innate desire to connect has been a driving force throughout human history, shaping our communities, relationships, and the way we communicate. Sharing experiences, emotions, and ideas face-to-face is deeply ingrained in our social fabric and is an integral part of the psychological makeup of human beings. According to Dr. Matthew Lieberman, a professor and social cognitive neuroscience lab director at UCLA, social connection is as important as food and shelter. Lieberman states, “Being socially connected is our brain’s lifelong passion. It’s been baked into our operating system for tens of millions of years.”

In today’s increasingly digital and dispersed world, maintaining these crucial bonds that are at the root of our humanity can be a challenge. Text chats, asynchronous forums, and static video calls have their utility, but often fall short in capturing the richness of human connection, leaving us yearning for a more realistic and authentic way to engage with others. Shared virtual spaces go beyond the constraints of traditional online communication methods by offering a dynamic and real-time virtual environment where individuals can truly connect, collaborate, and share ideas as if they were physically present.

The Cognitive Psychology of Shared Virtual Spaces

Cognitive psychology plays a significant role in understanding the power of shared virtual spaces, as it explores how mental processes influence our behavior, emotions, and perceptions. The real-time, visual dimension not only enhances communication but also taps into fundamental cognitive mechanisms that contribute to a more authentic and impactful human connection in virtual environments. Platforms like Welo leverage these cognitive principles by creating virtual spaces that align with our natural cognitive tendencies. Welo takes it a step further by providing spaces that feel like real places, unlocking the full potential of shared virtual interaction. When people can interact and move around in virtual space just as they would in real life, it adds elements of comfort and security by providing a familiar, realistic, life-like experience. Let’s further examine the role of cognitive psychology in shared virtual spaces by exploring the concept of the connected brain vs. the safety brain.

The Connected Brain vs. the Safety Brain

Our brains operate in two main modes: the connected brain and the safety brain. According to The Center for Collaborative Awareness, our brains have two main functions that have emerged through millions of years of evolution—to connect us for growth and to keep us safe. The development of our society has made the safety brain our first and main mode of interaction with the world. In keeping the connected brain as a secondary mode, we restrict our creativity, productivity, and resiliency.

The connected brain thrives on social interaction, collaboration, and exploration. It seeks out new information, fosters empathy, and is driven by a desire to connect with others. In contrast, the safety brain prioritizes security, vigilance, and protecting ourselves from potential threats. It’s the reason we might hesitate to share our ideas in a large group or feel apprehension when joining a new community.

Shared virtual spaces, with their immersive features and real-time interaction, have the unique ability to bridge the gap between these two brain modes. By activating the connected brain and reducing the influence of the safety brain, shared virtual spaces like Welo unlock the full potential of communities to connect, collaborate, and achieve more. Here’s how:

Social Cues Foster Connection

• Cognitive Process: Nonverbal cues like smiles, nods, and shared laughter deactivate the safety brain’s threat response, allowing social bonds to form and trust to build.
• Impact: Welo creates a safe environment through alleviating apprehensions and fostering a sense of genuine connection through rich social cues that go beyond text-based or asynchronous communication. This visualization reduces misunderstandings and promotes open communication.

Enhanced Empathy and Understanding

• Cognitive Process: The ability to see facial expressions, body language, and reactions in real-time activates the mirror neuron system (a brain network that mimics observed actions), and triggers the connected brain’s empathy and belonging circuits.
• Impact: Welo enhances the understanding of others’ emotions, creating deeper connections and a stronger sense of community.

Increased Motivation and Engagement

• Cognitive Process: Witnessing progress, sharing struggles, and offering encouragement in a visible way activate cognitive processes related to motivation and goal-oriented behavior.
• Impact: Interactions in Welo boost engagement and inspire commitment, propelling the group forward. Individuals are motivated to contribute their best for the benefit of the community.

Improved Collaboration and Problem-Solving

• Cognitive Process: The ability to see and react to each other’s ideas in real-time engages cognitive processes related to creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making. 
• Impact: Welo’s dynamic environments promote collaborative thinking and facilitate brainstorming to ignite creativity and innovation, leading to solutions beyond individual capabilities.

Shared Virtual Space Translates into Real-World Results

Platforms like Welo exemplify the shift towards a more immersive online experience. By reducing the influence of the safety brain through forming genuine connections and community bonds, we are better able to access our connected brain, unleashing our creativity, productivity, and ability to achieve more together. The dynamic of cognitive psychology inherent in shared virtual spaces enables video calls, collaborative content creation, and shared tools to recreate the feeling of in-person togetherness that fuels community development. Real-world examples abound:

• Remote teams brainstorm like they’re in the same room, using whiteboards and real-time editing to unlock unexpected solutions.
• Online support groups find deeper solace and understanding through shared stories and visible expressions of empathy.
• Virtual classrooms spark interactive learning with presentations, shared screens, and live Q&A sessions, leaving traditional lectures in the dust.

This is the power of shared virtual spaces in online communities, and Welo is making it accessible for everyone. Experience the transformative impact of enhanced connections that foster community bonds and drive collaborative achievements—try Welo for free today!