Friendshipable

41: How many friends can I really have?

May 13, 2022 Terri + Manya Season 2 Episode 19
Friendshipable
41: How many friends can I really have?
Show Notes

From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya riff about the so-called Dunbar number--that describes the numerical limits on how many connections an individual can have.

The conversation centers around Robin Dunbar, Emeritus Professor of Evolutionary Psychology at Oxford University. Based on his research, he believes the size of the neocortex in our brains is linked to the size of a cohesive social group--that ratio limits the complexity of the social systems we can handle.

According to his theory:

  • 5 loved ones
  • 15 good friends
  • 50 friends
  • 150 meaningful contacts
  • 500 acquaintances
  • 1,500 people you can recognize

Resources we discuss:


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