The social mind refers to the idea that our thinking processes are shaped and influenced by our social interactions and relationships. This means that our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors are not solely a product of our individual experiences and internal cognitive processes but are also influenced by the people and culture around us.

Thinking inside your head is also social thinking because our internal dialogue is shaped by the social experiences we have had. For example, if we were raised in a community that values hard work and perseverance, our inner voice may reinforce these values and motivate us to keep pushing through challenges. On the other hand, if we were raised in an environment where negative self-talk was prevalent, we may struggle with self-doubt and negative beliefs about ourselves.

Community and culture play a significant role in shaping learning. People learn not only from their individual experiences but also through shared experiences and interactions with others. Learning in a community or cultural context allows individuals to build on each other's ideas and knowledge, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of a subject.

One learning experience that exercises the social mind is group problem-solving. In this activity, individuals work together to solve a complex problem, drawing on each other's strengths and perspectives to develop a comprehensive solution. Through this process, individuals learn to communicate effectively, consider different viewpoints, and collaborate to achieve a common goal.

Collaborative learning taps into the concept of collective intelligence, where a group's ability to solve a problem or make a decision exceeds that of any individual member. This is because the group can draw on a diverse range of skills and knowledge to arrive at a more robust solution.

A community of practice is another example of a learning environment that exercises the social mind. In this context, individuals with a shared interest or profession come together to learn from each other, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects. The dynamics of learning in this environment are built on a foundation of mutual respect and trust, where individuals feel comfortable sharing their ideas and experiences without fear of judgment.