A study from the University of Virginia suggests that those who find small talk exhausting tend to have higher IQs, stronger abstract reasoning skills, and a preference for deep, meaningful conversations.
🔬 The Science Behind It:
📌 Higher IQ, Less Small Talk – Individuals with an IQ above 120 were 67% more likely to describe small talk as “mentally exhausting” compared to those with an average IQ.
📌 Draining, Not Stimulating – 82% of high-IQ participants reported feeling drained after just 10 minutes of small talk, while only 38% of lower-IQ individuals felt the same way.
📌 Deep Conversations = More Happiness – Intelligent individuals report feeling happiest when discussing ideas, philosophy, or meaningful life experiences rather than surface-level topics.
⚡ Why Do Highly Intelligent People Dislike Small Talk?
✅ Their Brain Craves Depth 🧠 – Small talk feels like “mental junk food”—lacking substance and stimulation.
✅ It’s Energy-Draining ⚡ – Engaging in deep conversations increases dopamine levels, while small talk can cause mental fatigue over time.
✅ They Prefer Fewer, Deeper Connections 🤝 – Rather than many casual interactions, they value intellectual stimulation and meaningful relationships.
❗ But… Is Small Talk Completely Useless?
Not at all! The study also highlights that small talk serves a crucial role in social bonding. Even highly intelligent people use it as a gateway to deeper conversations.
💡 Key Takeaway:
If small talk drains you, you may be wired for deeper thinking—but don’t dismiss it entirely. It can still be a bridge to meaningful relationships.
