Wired for Connection: The Science of Happiness, Friendship, and Loneliness

Have you ever felt alone in a crowded room or longed for a friend who understands you? To be human is to struggle with the balance of friendship, loneliness, and the pursuit of happiness. Many are surprised to learn that in a hyperconnected world, loneliness has been deemed a public health epidemic. 

Recreational Therapy and Rehabilitation faculty member Shay Dawson will discuss the science of happiness, friendship and loneliness, including your current levels of loneliness and social support as well as the importance of finding reciprocal friendships through leisure social structures.

Whether you’re thriving socially or feeling a little lost, this conversation is for you. Because everyone deserves to feel connected—and sometimes, understanding the “why” behind our feelings is the first step toward building the kind of friendships that truly matter.

Dawson is a nationally recognized researcher and award-winning teacher with expertise in disability studies, therapeutic interventions, and the science of happiness, among other fields. At CMU he created and regularly teaches "RPL 101: Pursuit of Happiness: Exploring Leisure Social Structures." In 2024, he was named the MASU Distinguished Professor of the Year, a statewide award conferred by the Michigan Association of State Universities.

Critical Engagements: Questions That Matter

This presentation is the kickoff event for the 2025-2026 Critical Engagements series. Critical Engagements is a collaborative project housed in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences that makes the academic mission of Central Michigan University concrete by highlighting how our students, faculty, and community are tackling the world’s most pressing and difficult questions.