Are You a Mind-Reader or a Brain-Reader?

Let me take you back to my first day of college. It was a terrible day! As a freshman, at the local pub, I tried to mingle but knew no one and so felt completely out of place. My pupils dilated, my heart raced, and my palms were so sweaty I held my beer with two hands. Every attempt at starting a conversation felt like a social tsunami. Little did I know, my brain was working against me.

My amygdala, sensing potential social threats, was flooding my system with stress hormones like cortisol. This response was part of my brain's fight-or-flight mechanism, preparing me to either escape or confront the situation. Meanwhile, my prefrontal cortex, responsible for logical decision-making and social behavior, was struggling to maintain composure amidst the stress. The decrease in dopamine levels, essential for reward and pleasure, made me feel even more disconnected and anxious.

This complex symphony of chemical and neural activity, including reduced activity in my default mode network responsible for self-referential thoughts, shaped not only my social interactions but my overall experience of the world. I felt doomed.

Social Interactions

As a professor of applied neuroscience and a neuroplastician in a non-clinical practice as a coach, I have a profound appreciation for the brain’s ability to adapt and change. The brain has a staggering number of neuronal connections—and our advanced neuroimaging tools can now reveal its remarkable complexity. However, these marvels often overshadow a crucial aspect of brain function: its remarkable capacity for social adaptation and change in response to others.

Imagine meeting Max, a client intrigued by the idea of neuroplasticity but skeptical about its real-world implications beyond brain mechanics.

"So, are you saying my brain can change just by interacting differently with people?" Max asked, leaning forward with a mix of curiosity and doubt.

"Absolutely," I replied with a reassuring smile. I recounted for him the tale of Emily, a spirited retiree who came to me seeking help after a stroke affected her speech and confidence. Emily loved her book club gatherings but found herself withdrawing due to difficulty expressing her thoughts. In her coaching process we devised a plan that involved building active participation in non-stressful social activities. She spent time at the dinner table building up the power of her brain’s Broca area to feel confident speaking.

Weeks later, Emily returned with a sparkle in her eyes. "You won't believe it! I started volunteering at a local library, reading to kids. It's been challenging, but each week, I feel more confident. My speech is improving, and I feel more like myself again."

Foundations of Social Intelligence

Max looked intrigued. "So, her brain changed because she engaged socially?"

"Exactly," I nodded. "Her brain rewired itself, tapping into its plasticity to accommodate and thrive in new social situations."

Max grinned, now seeing beyond the mechanical view. "That's incredible. It's like our brains are designed to adapt to the social world around us."

"Exactly!" I replied. "Academic and real-life research on neuroplasticity supports this. The brain isn't just a static machine; it's a dynamic organ constantly reshaping itself based on our experiences and interactions."

As Max left, inspired by Emily's story, I reflected on how understanding neuroplasticity isn't just about grasping the mechanics but appreciating the profound impact of social experiences on our brain's capacity to change and grow. After all, in the intricate dance of neuroplasticity, the melody of social influence plays a crucial role in shaping the symphony of our minds.

Are You a Brain-Reader?

In the book Social, UCLA professor Matthew Lieberman suggests that our need for social connection is arguably more vital than food and shelter. Lieberman argues that social bonds are key to our species' success and our large brains. His research shows that when not focused on tasks, our brain's default network helps us master the social world. By age 10, we have already spent countless hours honing our social skills, which the brain prioritizes as much as learning music or math. Social pain and pleasure impact us as deeply as physical sensations, explaining why social losses can be so devastating (Lieberman, 2013).

As a neuroplastician, my work extends beyond the traditional boundaries of neuropsychology. I explore how the brain’s adaptive capacities can be harnessed to promote resilience and recovery in the face of neurological challenges. This approach underscores the potential for rehabilitation strategies that leverage neuroplasticity to facilitate recovery and improve cognitive outcomes. For example, consider the role of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in shaping behavior. Excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate drive us towards action and engagement, while inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA help us avoid overstimulation and maintain balance. This dynamic interplay influences our ability to navigate social situations, highlighting the importance of a well-regulated neurochemical environment for social intelligence.

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While the brain’s complexity and anatomical structures are awe-inspiring, they represent only a fraction of its true essence. Its ability to adapt, learn, and grow throughout life—from childhood development to aging—underscores its dynamic nature. The brain also has "social wings." By embracing this paradigm shift and focus on social well-being, we deepen our understanding of cognitive function but also recognize the profound impact of social context and interpersonal relationships on brain health and resilience.

The next time you find yourself in a socially awkward situation, remember that your brain is hard at work, balancing excitatory and inhibitory signals, releasing neurotransmitters, and activating neural networks to help you navigate the social landscape. A mind reader interprets thoughts and emotions based on observable behavior, while a brain reader understands the brain processes behind those actions. Understanding these processes not only enriches our appreciation of the brain’s capabilities but also highlights the importance of social connections in our lives.

In other words, a mind reader reads the room, and a brain reader reads others. Which are you?