Social mind is the notion that what is in our mind- our thoughts, are socially acquired from our environment. This concept states that our thoughts are acquired from our social environment and influenced by those around us along with culture, suggesting that learning is a collaboration of the mind and its environment. The environment influences the mind and the mind also influences the environment- collaborating and leading to changes in both.

This is learning beyond the individual mind as the thoughts, opinions, and conditions present in the external environment influence the mind. This is a collaboration between the individual mind and the external environment. This collaboration can then also bring about changes in the external environment.

Example: Theo is from a small town with a tight-knit community, where everyone knows and trusts each other. This has made Theo very trusting of others, even strangers.

Theo has recently moved to a bigger city. In Theo's hometown, people would leave their things unattended and even leave their doors unlocked- a habit Theo has brought with him to his new apartment in the big city. Recently, there have been some break-ins and burglaries near Theo's new apartment. After hearing this news, Theo started to lock his door and double-check that they were locked. He has also started to be more vigilant- even installing a security system in his new apartment.

This is an example of the "social mind" or the collaboration between the mind and the environment. Theo used to leave his door unlocked and be very trusting, however; after a change in his external environment, Theo changed his behaviors and thoughts. The collaboration between his mind and the environment led to a change in Theo's thoughts and behavior, locking his doors and double checking along with being more vigilant. The collaboration of mind and environment also led to Theo making changes to his external environment- installing a security system.

Reference:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272494419302397