Psychologists: Most people love it when old buddies suddenly write to them

American psychologists have published a study on how people underestimate the impact of short messages in instant messengers on their friends. A simple word "hello" or a small gift like a cookie or coffee can greatly improve the other person's mood.

The authors of the study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, asked respondents to write to friends with whom they had not communicated for a long time. And then ask your friends to rate how important this communication was for them.

Most often, the people who took part in the experiment did not think that one message or a sign of attention would greatly affect the state of a friend. And they turned out to be wrong. The vast majority of friends were very happy.

In the study considered specific scenario: people did not swear, but for some reason did not communicate for a long time. Psychologists note: if respondents sent messages to people who are offended by them, the result could change. In this case, about 6,000 people took part in the experiment, so it is quite indicative.

Scientists do not consider the results surprising - it is logical that people are pleased with the care of others. And communication acts on many as an emotional boost. James Maddux, one of the authors of the study, noted:

The authors of the work added that the results of the experiment are a good reason to recall the importance of social connections, especially after the pandemic, which alienated many from each other. Write to old friends whom you haven't seen for a long time. Even a simple reminder of yourself can make both of you a little happier.