• Quadrupling of social isolation: Since 1990, the percentage of Americans reporting no close friends has more than quadrupled. In 1990, just 3% said they had no close confidants; by 2021, that number had soared to 12%1.
• Less time with friends: The average American now spends just 4 hours a week with friends—down from 6.5 hours two decades ago.
• Solo living and dining: More people live and eat alone than ever before, a trend accelerated by changes in work, mobility, and family structure.
Several cultural and structural shifts are fueling the friendship recession:
• Work and busyness: Longer work hours and the rise of remote jobs blur boundaries and reduce opportunities for spontaneous connection.
• Family focus: As family and romantic relationships take precedence, friendships often get deprioritized.
• Digital distractions: Social media and texting can create an illusion of connection, but often lack the depth and vulnerability of in-person interactions.
• Geographic mobility: People move more often for jobs or education, making it harder to maintain long-term friendships.
• Mental health risks: Loneliness is now considered as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, raising the risk of premature death by more than 60%.
• Community fragmentation: Weaker social ties erode trust, civic engagement, and the sense of belonging that sustains healthy communities.
• Reduced resilience: Friendships buffer us against stress, help us navigate life’s challenges, and even improve our physical health.
The “Friendship Recession” is not inevitable. By understanding its roots and taking small, consistent steps, we can revive the lost art of connecting—and build a more resilient, joyful, and healthy society.
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