Social Glue: The Science of Helping and Prosocial Behavior
Explore the science of prosocial behavior and social dilemmas. Discover why helping strangers and volunteering act as the essential social glue for our society.
Best quote from Social Glue: The Science of Helping and Prosocial Behavior
Helping isn't just a 'nice to do' thing; it’s the fundamental mechanism that stops society from grinding to a halt. It creates a self-reinforcing cycle that builds social cohesion and changes the rules, reputations, and relations of the world around us.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
why helping brings change in society
Frequently Asked Questions
Prosocial behavior refers to actions intended to benefit others, such as donating to charity, volunteering, or helping a stranger. According to the Social Glue podcast, these actions are more than just being a good person; they are functional mechanisms that prevent society from grinding to a halt. Data shows that even during global upheaval, like in 2020 and 2021, there was a massive surge in these behaviors across the globe.
Social dilemmas represent the constant tension between personal gain and the best interests of a group. In the Social Glue podcast, Miles explains that these situations occur when an individual must choose between a selfish act, like keeping found money, and a prosocial act that benefits the collective. Understanding these dilemmas helps explain why humans often choose to help others even when there is no immediate personal reward or recognition.
Helping others is described as the social glue because it serves as the fundamental mechanism that keeps society functioning. While many assume humans are naturally selfish, the science of helping suggests that prosocial behavior is actually what allows a community to thrive. By navigating social dilemmas and choosing to support strangers or charitable causes, individuals contribute to a functional social machine that benefits everyone involved.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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