I was inspired by today’s XKCD text: “Scientists occasionally invent alternative periodic table layouts, which is usually a sign that they don’t have enough enrichment in their enclosures.” (emphasis mine)

If we spend nearly all of our time alone, what kinds of “enrichment” do we need to keep ourselves from going crazy?

I assume ethical research here would be difficult to find, but it seems like there could be observational studies of prisoners, scientists at isolated outposts, etc. I wonder how many work-from-home people are keeping themselves in conditions that would be considered unethical if those conditions were forced on them.

(I’m not doing as badly as this post would imply – it’s just a slow Friday here :) )

EDIT: People seem to be really fixating on the prison thing. It was an example of a place where people can feel isolation and still be monitored. I am aware that my home is not a prison.

I work from home. I like working from home. Sometimes I get lonely or bored, and I wondered what science said I should do to ensure I’m having the best experience possible.

@LurkingLuddite@piefed.social nailed the intent of my question. It was meant to ask about research-backed positive things that people should ensure they are doing.