Mind

How many friends can a human brain maintain?

~150

Robin Dunbar's research suggests humans can maintain stable social relationships with about 150 people. This 'Dunbar number' breaks into nested layers: ~5 intimate friends, ~15 close friends, ~50 regular contacts, and ~150 acquaintances. The limit is set by neocortex size, not time or technology.

Source: Dunbar (1992), Journal of Human Evolution

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