Need for community

I was watching a documentary on the punishment of 'solitary confinement' in prison systems, and how psychologically damaging it can be after extended periods of time. Yes, a little dark, and very random, but I found it really interesting and well done. Many of the inmates that were interviewed were able to speak intelligently about their experiences even though some had been 'in the hole' for over 10 years.

One of the parts of the documentary that stuck out most for me was a research experiment that was done to test the effects of loneliness. The experiment was done with regular civilians, not inmates. The test subjects were split into two groups. Group A subjects were each asked to write about a page-long reflection of a time when they were working within a team and feeling positive about the work that was being done. Group B subjects were each asked to write about a time of loneliness and desperation. Afterwards, the papers were taken away, and two bowls were placed in front of each subject from both groups. One bowl was filled with cookies and the other was filled with radishes. The subjects were then told that this would be a 'taste test' and to try the food items and write down their reactions to each.

What was actually being monitored was the amount that each subject ate! It was found that subjects from Group A (team-building writing assignment) would try a couple bites from each food item and jot down their thoughts. However, it was found that subjects from Group B (loneliness writing assignment) would continue to eat through the bowls of food well after they had noted their tastes. The conductors of the study deduced that people are less likely to control their cravings, desires, and impulsiveness if they feel lonely or depressed.

The documentary related this study's results back to the fact that inmates in solitary confinement often act out against the basic rules of the system, even if they clearly understand it will result in their extended punishment. Inmates admitted that they weren't always able to reasonably explain their actions, but that sometimes it was merely so that the guards would notice them or need to physically detain them.

It made me think about our culture. With so many people tucked away in their small cubes and apartments, hiding behind a computer screen for the majority of their day, does our online 'community' really satisfy these needs? It seems that we can comment on people's pictures, update our status', and maybe even feel pleasure when someone comments on our status', but there still remains a longing for a physical connection.