Implicit Versus Explicit Interactions
I have been pondering about why I value explicit interactions. While explicit interactions sometimes require a bit of courage, I feel that’s the best way to communicate with one another.
That being said, I started looking for researches about implicit and explicit interactions, and have found plenty but couldn’t decide on one that suited my case the most.
Why has this topic been stuck with me for so long? the core reason lies in the fact that I keep witnessing scenarios where people usually prefer implicit interaction over explicit.
As I wasn’t successful with the written material, I have turned to the broadcasted material and that’s when I listened to The professor G show podcast by Scott. In one specific episode featuring professor Katherine Milkman — Professor Ido Erev’s research about decisions was mentioned.
Professor Erev’s research showcases how daily observations make so much more sense when you look at them as an “outsider”, That’s when I recalled one of my favorite terms in Anthropology — defamiliarization:
Defamiliarization is the artistic technique of presenting to audiences common things in an unfamiliar or strange way so they could gain new perspectives and see the world differently.
That’s when I decided to combine that defamiliarization notion brought to us by Prof Erev with Nir Eyal’s idea behind his book Indistractable that revolves around people getting distracted only to avoid the feeling of discomfort.
When combining both concepts of gaining a new perspective and thinking about why people would prefer to have an implicit interaction, I came to the conclusion that it was solely to avoid the “tough” conversation.
Why should we engage in explicit interactions? nobody likes conflicts, and it’s easier to sweep our feelings under the rug, thinking they will go away (but they only pile up and collect dust).
What if trying to be explicit and having this spark of disagreement would lead us to this wonderful symbiosis of growth and prosperity?
