Brain connectivity dynamics during social interaction reflect social network structure

Significance We examine brain dynamics during a common social experience—social exclusion—to determine whether cohesive networks in the brain support navigation of the social world and contribute to the shape of friendship networks. Specifically, exclusion is associated with increased cohesion within brain networks that support understanding what other people think and feel. Furthermore, using social network analysis, we find that variability in brain dynamics is associated with the shape of participants’ friendship networks. Bringing together findings related to brain network dynamics and social network dynamics illuminates ways that psychological processes may shape and be shaped by social environments.