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Social brain theory refers to the theoretical framework proposing that the complexity of social life has shaped the evolution, organization, and functioning of the brain systems involved in social cognition and behavior ^[1][2]. The theory suggests that managing social relationships requires specialized cognitive abilities, including recognizing others, understanding intentions and emotions, maintaining social bonds, and navigating group interactions ^[1]. In evolutionary neuroscience, the theory links variation in brain characteristics, particularly neocortical development, with the demands of living in complex social groups ^[2][3]. In cognitive neuroscience, social brain theory examines the neural mechanisms underlying processes such as theory of mind, empathy, social perception, and knowledge about other individuals ^[1]. These processes involve interactions among multiple brain regions rather than a single isolated structure, reflecting the distributed neural basis of social cognition ^[1]. Social brain theory therefore describes the relationship between neural systems, cognitive processes, and social behavior that enables individuals to perceive, interpret, and respond to social environments.