Rock, Paper or Scissors

Brain Activity Reveals How Well We Mentally Size Up Others

Originally published by Univeristät Zürich on 9 March 2026

Humans often adapt their behavior to that of other people with lightning speed. A new study by the University of Zurich reveals what brain networks govern social mentalization and adaptation, making it possible to predict how flexibly one person reacts to others. The findings of the study could provide new approaches to gaining a better understanding of social disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder or borderline personality disorder.

In the interaction with other people, we constantly assess what they think and intend. A new study by the University of Zurich (UZH) shows which brain networks are involved. (Image: iStock / DrAfter123)

How quickly do we perceive whether a person we are interacting with is clever or predictable? Be it in a game, a conversation or a negotiation, we constantly infer what others are thinking and size up their intentions, and we adjust our behavior accordingly in a process that scientists call “adaptive mentalization.” A new study by the University of Zurich now reveals how our brains govern this adaptation.

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