New research by Niobe Way explores the role of interpersonal curiosity in human connection and how cultural factors, including gender stereotypes, influence our tendency to ask questions.

Niobe Way, a professor of applied psychology at New York University, is investigating why individuals often fail to ask questions during social interactions. Her research suggests that Western cultural norms and masculine stereotypes may discourage people from showing interest in others. Way argues that this lack of interpersonal curiosity negatively impacts the quality of human relationships and overall well-being.

The Impact of Gender and Stereotypes

In a study of 389 students aged 11 to 13, researchers found that boys were approximately twice as likely as girls to report having no questions for their peers, teachers, or caregivers. Way’s research indicates that adherence to masculine stereotypes—such as suppressing emotions or valuing toughness—is inversely correlated with interpersonal curiosity. Students who endorsed these values were less likely to enjoy hearing others' stories, which correlated with lower levels of social support and less time spent with close friends.

Cultivating Curiosity Through Education

Way suggests that while cultural conditioning may dampen natural curiosity, it can be reawakened through education. She developed the Listening with Curiosity Project, a 26-lesson curriculum implemented in New York Public Schools. The program teaches students how to ask open-ended questions and encourages them to explore others' experiences with nuance. Early results indicate that the curriculum increases both curiosity and friendship quality, with male students showing the most significant improvements.