Plain English with Derek Thompson cover image

Plain English with Derek Thompson

Why Americans Stopped Hanging Out—and Why It Matters

Feb 27, 2024
Eric Klinenberg, a sociologist and director at NYU's Institute for Public Knowledge, dives into America’s alarming decline in face-to-face socializing. He reveals that from 2003 to 2022, interactions plummeted by 30%, especially among teens. Klinenberg discusses how digital media affects loneliness and the surprising idea that Americans may not be lonelier than ever. He also highlights the importance of social infrastructure and community connectivity, drawing lessons from past crises to emphasize the need for rebuilding social ties.
01:10:07

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Americans have reduced face-to-face socializing by 30% since 2003, with steeper declines among unmarried individuals and teenagers.
  • Americans now spend more time with their pets than with other humans, indicating a shift in social priorities.

Deep dives

Decline in Face-to-Face Socializing in America

From 2003 to 2022, American adults reduced their average hours of face-to-face socializing by about 30 percent. This decline is more significant for unmarried Americans, with a reduction of over 35 percent, and for teenagers, with a decrease of more than 45 percent. Face-to-face interactions have decreased across all demographics and predate the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, the steepest declines have been observed among poor people and Black Americans.

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