Why do people avoid talking to strangers? A mini meta-analysis of predicted fears and actual experiences talking to a stranger

People are often reluctant to talk to strangers, despite the fact that they are happier when they do so. We investigate this apparent paradox, meta-analyzing pre-conversation predictions and post-conversation experiences across seven studies (N= 2304). We examine: fears of not enjoying the conversation, not liking one's partner, and lacking conversational skills; fears of the partner not enjoying the conversation, not liking oneself, and lacking conversational skills. We examine the relative strength of these fears, and show that the fears are related to talking behavior. We report evidence that people's fears are overblown. Finally, we report two interventions designed to reduce fears: conversation tips, and the experience of a pleasant conversation. Ultimately, this research shows that conversations go better than expected.

Automated summary

Research indicates that people are often hesitant to talk to strangers, yet they are actually happier when engaging in conversations with them. Common fears such as not liking one's conversation partner, not being liked by the partner, or lacking conversational skills are often exaggerated. By implementing simple interventions, such as conversation tips or positive conversation experiences, individuals can reduce these fears and have better-than-expected conversations.