A brain region called the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) maintains a structured map of a person's social circles, based on closeness. People that struggle with loneliness often perceive a gap between themselves and others. This gap is reflected by the activity patterns of the mPFC.
The researchers had the participants think of different groups of people (self, "close others", acquaintances, and celebrities) while being scanned in an fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging). The perceived closeness of the subject to the imagined targets were revealed in the scans. Further, the lonelier-feeling participants had reduced perception of similarity to others in all categories.
Journal Reference:
Andrea L. Courtney, Meghan L. Meyer. Self-other representation in the social brain reflects social connection [$], Journal of Neuroscience (DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2826-19.2020)
(Score: -1, Troll) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday June 20 2020, @10:09PM (1 child)
The other funny thing here is that I wasn't even the one that brought you up, that was somebody else in your anti-fan club. Perhaps take a few minutes to reflect on just how shitty you are as a person that you're one of the most hated people on the site.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday June 21 2020, @07:38AM
Say that with your real username, you belly-scratching coward! You are more hate than the ancient one! Nobody likes you, and nobody showed up to your Tulsa rally!