Why Talking to People Feels Harder Now
Vanessa Van Edwards and Scott Edwards discuss how AI and remote work are weakening social skills, and share practical ways to rebuild them.
The gist
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Social interaction works like a muscle: fewer accidental conversations mean each one feels harder, so regular practice matters.
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Accidental conversations like hallway chats are gone for many people, so social time now needs to be scheduled deliberately.
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AI can be used to rehearse high-stakes conversations like interviews or raise requests before doing them in person.
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Removing headphones and phones in everyday situations like waiting in line helps build consistent conversational confidence over time.
Vanessa Van Edwards, Joe, Andrew and Mark agree on 30 things
See what they all use, in their own words. Ad reads don't count.
See what they all swear by Or pick your own peopleAlso mentioned
1:33
Social Reps
· "Every time you have a conversation with someone else at work or on campus or at the grocery store, you're..."
6:29
No-Phone Challenge
· "Here is our big challenge for you, which is don't lose the casual conversations. Practice going out and raw..."
6:54
Conversation
· "Nine power questions to level up your relationships at work, at home, with new friends and old ones...."
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