APS
2026 APS Annual Convention · 2026
Wearable Sensors Show How Interpersonal Synchrony Can Predict Who Likes Who In Groups of Young Adults
- Paula Wicher
Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London - Jamie Ward
Goldsmiths - Hamilton Antonia
University College London
Abstract
When a group of strangers meets, can we predict which pairs will become friends? We tested this idea “in the wild” using wearable accelerometers on 44 adults at four social events. Individuals with similar personality profiles moved more in sync and formed stronger bonds, and greater movement coordination fostered connection.