Roman Family Center for Decision Research

05/28/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us last week for the Book Launch & Lunch with Professor Nicholas Epley! We were excited to host the unveiling of A Little More Social, a book that encourages us to embrace the joys of connecting with others.

A surprise book giveaway and book signing made the lunch even more special. We appreciate everyone who came out and helped build meaningful connections within The University of Chicago community.

💡 Watch Nick's TED Conferences 2026 talk: "The Simple Habit for a Happier Social Life.” https://www.ted.com/talks/nicholas_epley_the_simple_habit_for_a_happier_social_life

📘 Get your copy of A Little More Social today! https://sites.prh.com/a-little-more-social (Penguin Random House)

University of Chicago Booth School of Business Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab The University of Chicago Chicago Booth Review UChicago Hong Kong Campus UChicago Center in Delhi Penguin Random House Penguin Random House International USA

05/27/2026

From the stage at TED 2026, Nicholas Epley (University of Chicago Booth School of Business) shares data from thousands of people who underestimated how good conversations with strangers would feel. Once they actually talked, their commutes and days became more pleasant. Could your next “awkward silence” be a missed opportunity?

💡 Learn more: https://www.ted.com/talks/nicholas_epley_the_simple_habit_for_a_happier_social_life

The University of Chicago Chicago Booth Review Mindworks Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab The University of Chicago

We are wired for connection, and yet many of us spend most of our lives avoiding it, says behavioral scientist Nicholas Epley. Drawing on decades of research into happiness, loneliness and well-being, he reveals why we consistently underestimate how receptive others are to connecting — and invites...

05/26/2026

Is small talk good for you? Nicholas Epley (University of Chicago Booth School of Business) joined Mary Dixon & Patrick Smith on WBEZ's Say More to discuss his new book, “A Little More Social.” Why do we choose to be unsocial when we get so much out of social connection?

🎙️ Listen: https://www.wbez.org/say-more-with-mary-dixon-patrick-smith/2026/05/19/is-small-talk-good-for-you

Why do we choose to be unsocial when we get so much out of social connection? Say More poses the question to listeners, and hears about what ways people are trying to connect with others.

05/22/2026

05/22/2026

Can talking to strangers actually make you happier?

Nicholas Epley (University of Chicago Booth School of Business) sits down with Indira Lakshmanan on Here & Now (WLIW New York Public Media), to explore how beginning conversations with strangers and having deeper conversations, rather than talking about the weather, can increase our .

🎧 Listen now:

The book explores how beginning conversations with strangers and having deeper conversations rather than talking about the weather can increase our happiness.

05/19/2026

Exciting news from the Center: our Nicholas Epley’s much-anticipated "A Little More Social" is officially out today!

Epley reveals why we often hold back from connecting, even though it leads to more and health. He offers simple, research-backed habits that anyone can use to build stronger relationships and boost well-being.

📚 Get your copy today and experience the benefits of a more connected life! https://bit.ly/49Di50s

05/19/2026

It's book launch day for Nicholas Epley! He started the day with WGN.

Next, catch him live on WBEZ 10:30-10:55am CT.

05/14/2026

Why do we avoid talking to people that we’ve never met? What if the biggest barriers to connecting with others are simply our own insecurities?

In the newest Big Brains Podcast episode, behavioral scientist Nicholas Epley (University of Chicago Booth School of Business) joins Paul M. Rand to discuss why we’re wired for social connection but often avoid it. From conversations with strangers to the surprising power of asking deeper questions, Epley reveals simple ways to feel less lonely and more fulfilled.

✅ Watch:

Behavioral scientist explores how our health and happiness benefit from conversations with strangers, family or friendsAs humans, we have a biological need f...

05/11/2026

How much do our everyday responses to sickness actually protect us, or could they make things worse? Do our seemingly irrational reactions to infection serve hidden purposes after all?

Today’s Behavioral Science Workshop featured Joshua Ackerman (University of Michigan), who presented "Ill-Logical: Making Sense of the Psychology of Infection." From misidentifying illness to stigmatizing others and making risky choices, Professor Ackerman revealed how our so-called “errors” in dealing with disease are functional solutions shaped by deep social tradeoffs. Understanding these tradeoffs offers a framework for explaining consequential decisions people make at work, as consumers, and in their social lives.

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