Social Networks

Guest: Kathleen Harris, PhD, James E. Haar Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Adjunct Professor of Public Policy at the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill Having friends is important to mental health, and over the last 20 years, research has shown positive social relationships can improve physical health and even help us live longer. But to this point, the exact connection between friends and the health of our bodies has been unclear. What’s biological mechanism that translates BFFs into better body weight? Is having friends more important when we’re younger, if good health is the goal? And what about the question of quantity? How many friends is the right amount to maximize good health?