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Brain network efficiency during social interaction is associated with real-world social network size
Mengfei Han1, Xin Liu1, Yongcong Shao2
1Aviation Psychology Research Office, Air Force Medical Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Beijing, China.
Behavioral and Brain Functions : BBF
|December 18, 2025
Summary
Neural efficiency impacts social network size. Optimized brain networks, particularly in the cingulate cortex, are linked to better social adaptation and resource acquisition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Social Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Social ties significantly influence health and well-being.
- Understanding the neural basis of advantageous social network positions is crucial.
- The relationship between social information processing and social network structure requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between neural activation patterns during social information processing and individual social network structures.
- To identify specific brain network characteristics linked to social network size.
- To explore the neurobiological underpinnings of social adaptation and resource acquisition.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Prisoner's Dilemma Game (PDG) for social interaction simulation.
- Employed multilayered social network analysis to map social structures.
- Integrated brain network analysis and machine learning to correlate neural patterns with network properties.
Main Results:
- Larger social network size correlated with heightened nodal efficiency in the midcingulate cortex (MCC).
- Reduced efficiency was observed in the inferior occipital gyrus (IOG) for individuals with larger networks.
- Enhanced functional connectivity was found between the anterior cingulate cortex-supplementary motor area (ACC-SMA) and olfactory-somatosensory regions.
- Machine learning identified negative predictive effects of nodal efficiency in the IOG and hippocampus.
Conclusions:
- Efficient brain network organization, especially in the cingulate cortex for conflict monitoring, is associated with real-world social adaptation.
- Selective suppression of visual attention and memory processing contributes to social success.
- Novel neurobiological insights reveal the critical role of neural efficiency in acquiring social resources.
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