Stop the 'Me Drug': Why Self-Focus Kills Connection & Community
Combat loneliness. Huberman and Keltner reveal how self-focus and social media erode community, and how collective awe rebuilds it. Actionable advice for founders.
Cultivating Awe & Emotional Connection in Daily Life | Dr. Dacher Keltner
With Andrew Huberman, Dr. Dacher Keltner · Sunday, April 5, 2026
Andrew Huberman and Dr. Dacher Keltner discuss the science of awe, its definition, measurement, and profound impact on mental and physical health. They explore how simple practices like 'awe walks' can foster connection and well-being, contrasting this with the isolating effects of excessive self-focus and certain aspects of social media. The conversation also delves into the nuanced roles of embarrassment and teasing in social bonding, and the therapeutic potential and ethical considerations surrounding classic psychedelics in inducing awe.
Key takeaways
- Excessive self-focus, often exacerbated by social media, acts as an "enemy of awe," fueling loneliness and anxiety among young people. Read more →
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