The Undersociality Bias: Nick Epley on 'A Little More Social'

​Think of the last time you thought about connecting with someone, such as an old colleague, a neighbor, or the person next to you on the train, and didn't. You probably had a reason. It would be awkward. They're busy. They wouldn't want to hear from you.

​Behavioral scientist and professor Nicholas Epley has spent two decades studying these everyday social decisions, and his research reveals we're often too pessimistic about what will happen. Conversations with strangers go better than we expect. Deeper conversations are less awkward than we imagine. People appreciate hearing from us more than we predict. His new book, A Little More Social, argues that the most reliable upgrade available to your happiness is easier than you think. Say hello. Send the note. Ask the real question.

​Join Irrational Labs' Evelyn Gosnell for a book talk with Nick on why we underestimate the value of social connection and what happens when we correct those predictions. He'll walk through where our expectations go wrong, what makes it easier to reach out, and why small social choices can add up to a happier, healthier life. Then we'll explore together where these insights show up in the work we do: the products we build, the teams we're part of, and the connection we're trying to design for.

​📅 Sep 24, 2026 🕘 9:00 AM PT (10am MT | 11am CT | 12pm ET | 6pm CEST)

​What you'll take away

• ​Why we systematically underestimate how well social interactions will go

• ​What keeps us from reaching out, even when connection would make us happier

• ​Why meaningful conversations are easier than we expect

• ​How small, everyday social choices beat any single big change

​If connection is something you're trying to build, whether in a product, on a team, or in your own life, you'll leave this hour with a different idea of what's standing in the way.