The Social Benefits of Imagining a Future Together

There are times when it feels as though the forces around us favor social division over social connection. Controversial news stories, political disagreements, and heated exchanges on social media can start to pull friends apart. Highly intelligent people buy into outrageous conspiracy theories, while accusing the other side of lapping up hogwash from questionable news sources. It’s harder than ever to reach conclusions like “let’s agree to disagree” or “I understand your point even if I can’t relate to it”.

Fortunately, one new research study suggests there’s a simple way to inject a little connective tissue into your relationships. Whether you’re making new friends, reviving old ones, or just looking to strengthen current connections, all you need is a little imagination.

Collaborative vs individual imagination

In a recent 2024 study, researchers recruited 120 students, paired them up, and then split the pairs into one of three groups. The first group was the “collaborative imagination” group, in which pairs sat together in the same room and took turns describing a future event to enjoy together such as a hike. The second group was the “individual imagination” group. These pairs completed the same imagination exercise alone in separate rooms. Finally, a group of “collaborative…