Social Bandwidth: When and Why Are Social Interactions Energy Intensive?

Abstract

This manuscript identifies the characteristics of a social interaction or social event that make it energy intensive and explores the experience of recovering from an energy-intensive interaction. Study One ( N = 309) used an inductive approach to identify social interactions or events that were energy intensive. Study Two ( N = 120) used an experience sampling method to explore overall energy expense in everyday conversations ( N = 3,092). Communication episode, more choice to interact, less familiarity of partners, and greater feelings of connection and disconnection predicted energy intensiveness. Results suggest that people seek solitude after an energy-intensive interaction, and the disconnection felt in the interaction influences desire for company when alone. Overall, social exclusion and communication content are important components in explaining the multi-faceted nature of energy-intensive interactions.