Causes and consequences of overestimating others' social connectedness

Two studies document the existence, causes, and consequences of a widespread social belief, wherein individuals who have recently moved to a new social environment see their peers as more socially connected than they themselves are. In Study 1, the prevalence of this belief was documented in a large sample of first year students (N=1099). In Study 2, the prevalence of this social belief was replicated in a targeted sample of university students (N=389). Study 2 also established a mechanism for this belief–the disproportionate visibility of peers' social activities relative to their solitary activities–and documented both positive and negative implications of this belief. Specifically, at any given time, students who believed that their peers were more socially connected than they themselves were, expressed lower well-being and belonging. Yet, over time, the belief that one's peers are moderately more socially connected than oneself was associated with more friendship formation. In sum, across two studies ...