Richard Slatcher
Social psychologists have long studied the dynamics of dyadic relationships (e.g., intimate relationships), yet much less is known about how social connection unfolds in group interactions. In this talk, I present new research exploring the complexities, benefits, and pitfalls of group social interactions across different contexts. Drawing from two recent projects, I examine how the number of conversation partners influences intimacy and enjoyment in video chat and in-person settings, as well as how active participation in live events fosters social connection. Findings reveal that while larger groups can enhance enjoyment, they also introduce challenges—especially in virtual interactions, where self-disclosure and responsiveness are hindered. These results have broad implications for understanding how people navigate social connection in an increasingly digital world. By moving beyond the dyad, this research sheds new light on the social dynamics that shape our everyday interactions.
Richard B. Slatcher is the Gail M. Williamson Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of Georgia. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond, his Ph.D. in Social and Personality Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to coming to UGA, he spent 10 years on the faculty at Wayne State University in Detroit.
Understanding the effects of people’s close relationships on their health and well-being from a social psychological perspective is the central focus of his research and teaching. In recent years, his work has focused on how smartphones, social media, and emerging technologies impact people and their relationships.
He has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and has received over $10 million in grant funding for his work. His research has been frequently featured in the popular press, including National Public Radio (NPR), The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal. He is a fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, the Society of Experimental Social Psychology (SESP), and the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP), and received both the Caryl Rusbult Close Relationships Early Career Award from SPSP and the award for Outstanding Contributions to Health Psychology by an Early Career Professional from the Society for Health Psychology.