Attending in-person events increases well-being and positive emotions, study shows

After the pandemic, many meetings migrated to virtual environments, and it's still common to participate in online meetings, livestreams, or virtual gatherings without leaving home. But despite their convenience, in-person events play a unique role in mental and emotional health, according to a study by researchers at the University of South Australia and Flinders University in the same country.

The survey assessed the frequency of participation in physical and virtual events among 350 people. The results showed that those who attended more in-person activities reported higher levels of positive emotions, such as joy, happiness, and enthusiasm, as well as greater engagement in the experiences.

Researchers observed that online concerts, livestreams, and other virtual gatherings can bring a sense of fulfillment, but they don't significantly impact other aspects of well-being. In-person interaction, however, proved irreplaceable in triggering positive emotions and strengthening social bonds.

"Social connection is deeply rooted in human behavior, and sharing experiences is fundamental to development, as is the sense of belonging and the feeling of being part of a community and something larger," says psychologist Sara Lisboa, a collaborator in the Affective Disorders Program at the Institute of Psychiatry at the Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine . She emphasizes that the study's data gain even more importance in today's scenario, marked by the ever-increasing presence of digital life.

"Face-to-face contact engages the senses, involving sounds, smells, touch, and interaction with the physical space. All of this fosters more intense immersion and memorable experiences," adds psychiatrist Luiz Gustavo Vala Zoldan, manager of mental health care in the population health department of diagnostic and outpatient medicine at Einstein Hospital Israelita and coordinator of the Mental Health in Organizations course with the Einstein Teaching team.

The doctor adds that experiencing an event in person fosters the so-called flow experience—or state of flux—a mental state of total immersion in an activity. In this moment, the person feels such intense energy, focus, and pleasure that they may even lose track of time and space, emerging from the experience refreshed.

Difficulty socializing

However, some people have more difficulty socializing. "In this case, the ideal is to start by choosing smaller events or with smaller groups. A book club or a get-together with friends, for example, to gradually build confidence," advises Zoldan. He recommends going with someone you trust, as the presence of someone you know helps reduce social anxiety and facilitates initial adjustment. Another strategy is to arrive early, which allows you to calmly settle in, observe the space, and avoid the feeling of being in the middle of a hustle and bustle.

It's also important to choose events that spark interest and provide comfort, as this makes the experience more motivating. These strategies help reduce anxiety in challenging social contexts and increase the chances of participation, even when initial willingness is low.

It's important to understand that participating in social events alone doesn't automatically guarantee benefits for well-being. "For the experience to truly have a positive impact, the person must have certain internal resources, such as emotional stability, skills to manage their own emotions, and a willingness to engage genuinely," says the psychologist.

"Imagine someone with social anxiety. For this person, being in a crowded environment can be more challenging than enjoyable," says Sara Lisboa. She emphasizes that, beyond the prior psychological state, the impact of an activity is linked to its relevance and meaning for each individual. An experience only becomes truly positive when it connects with one's interests, values, and personal preferences.

Source: Einstein Agency

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