APS

2026 APS Annual Convention · 2026

Wearable Sensors Show How Interpersonal Synchrony Can Predict Who Likes Who In Groups of Young Adults

Barcelona, Spain · May 2026

Posters · Connection & Belonging: Relationships in Social Life

  • 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.

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