How do social connections shape us?

In this episode of Crossing Channels, Richard Westcott talks to Sander van der Linden from the University of Cambridge and Marion Hoffman from the Toulouse School of Economics about how social connections shape our lives. Richard Westcott welcomes Sander van der Linden from the University of Cambridge and Marion Hoffman from the Toulouse School of Economics to Crossing Channels for a conversation about the powerful role social connections play in our lives. They explore how relationships form, why having many connections does not necessarily protect people from loneliness, and how online and face-to-face interactions influence wellbeing, trust and access to information. The conversation examines how algorithms, likes and echo chambers shape what people see and believe, why some social groups mix while others remain separate, who is most vulnerable to online manipulation, and what schools, policymakers and technology companies can do to create safer and more inclusive spaces for connection. Season 5 Episode 9 transcript Listen to this episode on your preferred podcast platform With thanks to: Audio production by Alice Whaley Associate production by Burcu Sevde Selvi Visuals by Tiffany Naylor and Pauline Alves