Social networking for greater creativity
Having social relationships is a basic human need. It keeps our brain healthy and can be a cure for dementia and depression. But your creative thinking ability is also enhanced the more social network you have. Indeed, creative thinking is a social phenomenon; it arises through the exchange of information, ideas and perspectives.
J. Perry-Smith examined the role of social networks in promoting creativity and found that ‘superficial’ relationships in particular affect creative thinking. So it is not so much about the quality of relationships, but about quantity. The larger and more diverse your network, the larger your accessible ‘knowledge base’. In other words; more people around you means more knowledge to share. It is also important that your social network is diverse; exposure to many different ways of thinking, perspectives and ideas increases your cognitive flexibility and helps in creative problem solving. Watch the video below for her whole story.