In physics there are two main types of energy potential and kinetic. Potential energy is energy that is stored and can be released at anytime, usually due to gravity. Kinetic energy is energy that is in motion.

A useful real life example to explain this is water towers. At night, water is stored at a height higher than it is going to be used meaning the water has the potential energy to move down through pipes. Once the water is needed and a valve inside the water tower is opened (transitioned), the water flows down through the pipes with kinetic energy. There are three things I want to specifically highlight from this example:

1. Potential energy: Water resting at height
2. Transition: Valved being opened
3. Kinetic Energy: Water rushing down through the pipes

We can take this concept directly from physics and relate it with socialization “social energy”.

When you enter a quiet elevator with other people there is potential social energy in that space. During this time someone is able to transition the potential social energy into kinetic social energy. This can come in many different forms such as commenting on someones shoes which could unlock kinetic social energy for the rest of the elevator ride. Though there is a possible downside of “energy dissipation” where the person receiving the comment may not perceive it well removing all types of social energy from the space.

Some other examples of places where potential social energy exists include:

• Neighborhoods
• Sidewalks
• Coffee shops
• Shopping
• Parades
• Sporting events
• Zoos
• Airports
• Bars
• School
• Networking events
• Public pools

There is potential social energy all around us, and it up to us to transition it to kinetic social energy. It is also up to us to seek out and create opportunities for potential social energy to exist for others.

This post was inspired by this post from @JoshuaLelon