Participating in live gatherings can alleviate feelings of isolation and foster social ties, especially when these gatherings are conducted face-to-face, according to new findings from the University of Georgia and Brigham Young University.

Guided by Richard Slatcher and Julianne Holt-Lunstad, the research team examined data from 1,551 individuals who shared their experiences before and after attending a variety of events, ranging from concerts to workout classes.

“This investigation highlights a fairly straightforward but, in my view, potent conclusion: For those seeking a greater sense of social connection, participate in live events that promote interaction and can be enjoyed with others, especially if they occur regularly,” stated Slatcher, Gail M. Williamson Distinguished Professor in the UGA Franklin College of Arts and Sciences’ department of psychology. “Individuals wanting to alleviate feelings of isolation might gain advantages from something as attainable as a weekly fitness class or a local concert with companions.”

“This research also holds significance for event organizers, whether for community gatherings, corporate functions, fitness classes, or dinner get-togethers,” Holt-Lunstad noted. “To promote active involvement and interaction among attendees, limit passive components and incorporate elements that allow for dialogue, hands-on experiences, or assign each participant a role.”

Active involvement was crucial to enhancing feelings of connectedness, as revealed by the study.

“People are inherently social creatures,” Holt-Lunstad remarked. “We have solid scientific proof indicating the repercussions of lacking social connections (e.g., social isolation, loneliness) that extend beyond well-being and mental health, to impact both individual and community health, safety, and prosperity.”

Frequent in-person gatherings essential for sustaining feelings of connection

Engaging in in-person events rather than virtual ones, attending with others instead of alone, and participating in regular occurrences rather than isolated experiences all amplified these feelings of social connection.

“These discoveries are particularly pertinent in the post-COVID era as individuals are still figuring out how to rebuild communities and address the isolation many faced during the pandemic,” Slatcher mentioned. The U.S. surgeon general has labeled loneliness an epidemic and issued a bulletin led by Holt-Lunstad. This research provides timely and practical measures for tackling these issues and promoting connections.

Nevertheless, the study also noted that the increased sense of connection was short-lived. Feelings of social connection generally did not persist beyond 24 hours after events concluded. This indicates the necessity for consistent participation in such activities to retain benefits.

“We believe these results can empower both individuals and communities,” Slatcher expressed. “Minor, regular choices — such as attending a local yoga session or volunteering consistently — can create genuine chances to feel acknowledged and connected.”

“In an increasingly isolated world, gathering individuals through live events might be an effective method to begin reversing these trends,” Holt-Lunstad stated.

The study was published in Social Psychological and Personality Science.

The researchers also created a toolkit to complement their findings, Events 4 Connection, which can be accessed here.

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