Being highly intelligent doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t like people. Some research suggests that people with higher cognitive abilities may feel more satisfied spending time alone. Not rely as much on frequent social interaction to experience well-being.
A study published in the British Journal of Psychology found a striking relationship. Although socializing with friends is usually associated with greater satisfaction, this relationship was different among people with extremely high levels of intelligence. In them, a higher frequency of socialization was associated with lower satisfaction.
The researchers suggested that a possible explanation is that some people with higher cognitive abilities dedicate more time to long-term goals, personal interests, or activities that require concentration and fewer interruptions.
But there’s something important to note: preferring tranquility is not the same as being isolated. Personality, experiences, and circumstances have a significant influence. There are highly intelligent people who constantly enjoy the company of others. And others who simply need more alone time.
Intelligence is just one piece of the puzzle. It doesn’t determine whether someone will be sociable, reserved, extroverted, or happy being alone.
Source: Li NP, Kanazawa S. British Journal of Psychology, 2016. DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12181
Periodista, Editorweb at Radio Angulo
Licenciado en Periodismo en la Universidad de Oriente en 1991. Máster en Comunicación Social.
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