Americans Are Socializing Less

PRESENTED BY MARKETBEAT

Americans across generations are spending less time hanging out with friends than they were two decades ago.

Why It Hurts: Despite the promise that technological advancement would give us more free time, we’re spending less of it with friends and family. Instead, Americans are choosing to spend more of that time with… well… technology. Or, at least, tech-enabled comfort and convenience. No wonder the US has declared a loneliness epidemic.

Between The Lines: America is in a buddy bust cycle, according to the annual American Time Use Survey.

Closing Thoughts: Axios writes that there are several reasons people are chillin’ with the homies (an evergreen pastime across generations) less than they used to. Social media, remote work, comfy living rooms, and DoorDash have made it less necessary to put on shoes and meet up with friends for entertainment.

It also doesn’t help that many of the third spaces where people used to gather — like coffee shops, bars, and libraries — are closing at record rates. And in the new experience economy, concerts, sporting events, and vacation hotspots have all skyrocketed in price.

When people have fewer places to hang, they tend to hang out less.

Prediction: It’s possible that apps will try to organize the modern version of impromptu block parties and backyard BBQs — local community gatherings that are cheap, inclusive, and low-pressure.

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