A new study reveals that social isolation remains widespread in 2024, with many Americans feeling disconnected. In a survey of 2,000 adults, 37% described their social lives as “stuck in a rut,” while a notable 39% reported they haven’t made a new friend in over a year. This sense of stagnation extends to social activities, as 38% haven’t attended a party in the past six months.
The data also shows a long gap for certain experiences with friends—59% haven’t attended a concert together in over a year, and 44% haven’t gone on vacation with friends. Despite these dry spells, friendships endure, with 81% of respondents maintaining connections for over a decade, and 58% finding their friendships “fun and ever-changing.” However, a quarter still feel their social lives have become repetitive.
Quality time is scarce, with most respondents only seeing close friends one-on-one about seven times in the past year, and only 21% report spending the most time with their closest friends. Many leave these interactions feeling they didn’t have enough time together.
Interestingly, travel could be a key solution. Over half of those surveyed (53%) believe planning a getaway with friends would ease their worries, with 22% craving time away with friends over family or partners.
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