Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection

by Ben Rein PhD

Overview

"An exquisite book that reminds us our minds aren't soloists but symphony players: we are wired for connection."—David Eagleman, PhD, author of Incognito and Livewired

A neuroscientist’s guide to boosting your brain health by living a more connected life, and thriving in a post-interaction world

Headlines have made clear that we are in a crisis of loneliness, but the conversation has yet to explore how spending less time with others can impact the body and mind on a cellular level—and why this knowledge is part of the way forward. Renowned neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein dives into the fascinating science of social interaction, revealing how our brains are wired for connection and why modern life is challenging those ancient instincts. Through the lens of neuroscience, he explains our need for community and provides new frameworks for bringing togetherness into our lives. Rein uncovers the mesmerizing biological factors at play in our moments together, from small talk with baristas to deep conversation with friends, and shares how to leverage this information to our advantage as we seek happiness and health.

Enlightening and empowering, this book reveals:

• How socializing supports brain health and mood
• The hidden dangers of isolation and why it increases the risk of death by any cause
• Why the brain experiences virtual conversations differently from in-person encounters
• The science of likability and the secrets of making a positive impression
• The neuroscience of empathy, deep bonds, and how we understand others
• How relationships with animals can support our health
• How certain drugs like ecstasy enhance social exchanges, while others like painkillers impair them
• Strategies for improving your social life to maximize benefits to your mental and physical health

Weaving together cutting-edge scientific discoveries, storytelling, and practical advice inspired by data, Rein reveals how our brains and our bodies are made stronger by connection, and ultimately why brain health is critical to our well-being.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593850855
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	10/14/2025
Sold by:	Penguin Group
Format:	eBook
Pages:	304

About the Author

Ben Rein, PhD, is an award-winning neuroscientist, adjunct lecturer at Stanford University, clinical assistant professor at SUNY Buffalo, chief science officer of the Mind Science Foundation, and a renowned science educator. Dr. Rein’s research focuses on the neuroscience of social interactions, and outside of the lab he also teaches an audience of more than one million social media followers. Dr. Rein and his research have been featured on major media outlets including Entertainment Tonight and Good Morning America, and he has received awards from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; the Society for Neuroscience; and elsewhere.

Editorial Reviews

An exquisite book that reminds us our minds aren't soloists but symphony players: we are wired for connection."—David Eagleman, PhD, author of Incognito and Livewired

“Every page is brimming with insight in this beautifully written exploration of the social brain.”—Matthew D. Lieberman, PhD, author of Social

“Rein brilliantly unpacks the fascinating neuroscience behind why social connections aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re essential for our well-being, health, and happiness. This captivating book will change how you view your relationships and motivate you to prioritize connection. A must-read.”—Nir Eyal, author of Hooked and Indistractable

“A friendly exploration of the psychology and neuroscience of why we are better together.”—Lisa Genova, PhD, author of Still Alice and Remember

“A must-read for anyone who wants to feel better and live longer, one conversation at a time!” —Dr. Karan Rajan, author of This Book May Save Your Life

"Read this because it will make you better understand yourself. But read it too because it will help you navigate our very human path across the complicated social web of our life on Earth." —Deborah Blum, author of The Poisoner’s Handbook

“This book is a beautiful example of Rein doing what he does best: making science clear, interpretable, and meaningful for everyone.”—Robert Malenka, MD, PhD, Deputy Director, Stanford University Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute

"In this insightful book, Rein unpacks the science behind human connection, showing us how to build stronger relationships that make us not only happier and healthier but also help create thriving societies—something we urgently need today."—Emma Seppälä, PhD, author of The Happiness Track and Sovereign

"Why Brains Need Friends may be just the antidote our increasingly disconnected world needs. We all want to live well longer—this promises to be one of the most important books you will read to achieve that goal."—Sandra Bond Chapman, PhD, Chief Director of the Center for BrainHealth, UT Dallas

“Social health is brain health, and star science communicator Ben Rein’s book will get you to improve yours as though your happiness and old age depend on it, because they do. Anyone ready to put away their phone and live a more fulfilling life will find scientific reasoning for doing so through real-world social connection in these pages.”—Britt Wray, PhD, author of Generation Dread and Director of CIRCLE at Stanford Psychiatry, Stanford School of Medicine”

“As an intensely social person who both personally and professionally resisted the pressure to join social media since its inception, I can unequivocally say that Rein’s perspective on the need to nurture one’s brain pays off. My relationships are deeper as a result.”—Brian S. Cohen, author of What Every Angel Investor Wants You To Know

"A user's manual for the human brain: the only organ that gets lonely. Rein has compiled an essential guide for living a better life in our hyperconnected yet lonelier-than-ever world."—Seema Yasmin, PhD, author of What the Fact?!

“Why Brains Need Friends is a game-changer. Rein masterfully unpacks the neuroscience of human connection. This book is a crucial reminder of the biological and social imperatives that shape our well-being. Rein has done what few can—translating complex science into actionable insights that will change how you think. A must-read.”—Barry O’Reilly, author of Unlearn and Lean Enterprise

“A beautifully-written, humane and deeply scientific book explaining why our interactions and bonds with other people are fundamental to our health, wellbeing and purpose in life.”—Ian Robertson, PhD

“A powerful and insightful read, Why Brains Need Friends illustrates how investing in our social connections is an investment in our collective brain health, and therefore, our collective potential. This isn't just about enhancing our individual well-being; it's about creating a ripple effect that strengthens our communities, unlocks our collective capacity, and ultimately brightens our future. A vital guide to understanding how our brains thrive together.”—Harris Eyre, MD, PhD

From the Publisher