Why Do We Tend to Trust Strangers in Some Situations?

Sometimes, we feel safe with people we don’t know. Imagine being lost in a big city, you might ask a stranger for directions because they seem friendly and helpful. But if someone you already know acts grumpy or mean, that can make you feel uncomfortable. Our brains look at how someone behaves and decide whether to trust them, not just who they are.

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Examples

  1. You ask a friendly stranger on the train for help finding your seat.
  2. A new neighbor gives you cookies, and you feel comfortable talking to them.
  3. You trust a kind shopkeeper even though you’ve never met before.

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