Mere Presence Theory

Mere Presence Theory suggests that simply having other people nearby can influence our behavior, often making us feel more alert or motivated. This is because the presence of others can heighten our arousal and awareness, even if we're not interacting with them directly. For example, studying in a busy library might make you more focused than studying alone at home. The theory highlights how the social environment can impact performance and behavior due to the psychological effects of others’ presence, not necessarily because of direct social interactions.