You’ve probably heard it before—people say that intelligent individuals are often less social. But what’s even more interesting is that their happiness doesn’t seem to depend on having lots of friends or being super social.
Do you consider yourself more of a lone wolf? Are you comfortable living life your own way? Do you ever feel like the idea of needing lots of people around is a bit overhyped? Maybe you enjoy spending time in the quiet of nature rather than the hustle and bustle of city life.
Would you rather spend the night snuggled up with your partner or lost in a good book than at a noisy party? Do your parents ever express concern that you don’t have enough friends?
If this sounds like you, don’t worry. You’re not alone—and you might actually be onto something.
Many studies have shown that intelligent people are more prone to anxiety and social discomfort because they’re more aware of what’s happening around them. But a recent study, published in the British Journal of Psychology, goes even further. It reveals that highly intelligent individuals often prefer their own company—and there’s a fascinating explanation for this.
Here’s what the researchers found: smarter people tend to socialize less and are still happier. Evolutionary psychologists have discovered that frequent social interaction might lower the satisfaction of intelligent people.
In the study, researchers surveyed adults between the ages of 18 and 28, and their findings were pretty surprising. People who lived in crowded, busy areas tended to feel less happy. And the more often people socialized with friends, the less satisfied they were with their lives.
So, what’s going on here? The study suggests a concept called the “Savannah theory.” It’s based on the idea that the things that made us happy back in ancient times still affect us today. Imagine life thousands of years ago when humans lived in small groups of about 150 people. Social interaction was key to survival, and the more connected you were to your tribe, the better your chances of living a long, safe life.
But here’s the catch—intelligent people have evolved to face modern-day challenges in a different way. Instead of needing a big group to feel secure or happy, they thrive on independence. When given a choice between fitting in with the group or carving out their own path, they’re more likely to choose the latter.
That might also explain why people living in smaller towns often report feeling happier than those in big cities—a phenomenon known as the “urban-rural happiness gradient.” In small towns, there’s a strong sense of community. People know each other by name, and there’s more emphasis on who you are and how you connect with others, rather than just what you’ve accomplished or who you know.
But for intelligent people, happiness doesn’t necessarily come from having a wide circle of friends. Instead, they find joy in fewer, deeper relationships and in pursuing their own interests.
So, if you’ve ever wondered why you feel perfectly content with your own company or why you prefer a quiet night in over a party, it could be because your brain is wired that way!
Do you agree with this theory? Let us know in the comments below!
