Derek Thompson, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of "The Anti-Social Century," dives into the paradox of rising aloneness without a loneliness epidemic. He discusses the cultural and technological shifts contributing to this phenomenon, such as the 'convenience curse' and the rise of sedentary leisure among young men. Derek also challenges misconceptions about introversion, highlighting that even introverts often thrive through socializing. He emphasizes the importance of strengthening our social connections and offers practical tips for re-engagement.
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insights INSIGHT
Declining Socialization
Face-to-face socializing in America has declined over 20% nationwide.
Some groups, like young adults and unmarried men, experience a decline closer to 40%.
insights INSIGHT
Decline in Youth Socialization
The frequency of young people meeting friends daily outside school has dropped almost 50% since the early 1990s.
Derek Thompson finds this statistic concerning and worthy of attention.
insights INSIGHT
Bowling Alone Phenomenon
Robert Putnam's "Bowling Alone" highlighted declining community involvement since the 1960s.
Factors include cars, comfortable homes, and appealing entertainment.
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This book delves into the reasons behind America's current inability to address significant challenges such as housing shortages, climate crises, and infrastructure issues. Dunkelman argues that a 'vetocracy' allows nearly anyone to stifle progress and that progressive reforms have inadvertently contributed to this gridlock. He suggests that progressivism must rediscover its roots to break through the current paralysis and restore faith in public institutions.
BOWLING ALONE
The Collapse and Revival of American Community
Robert Putnam
In 'Bowling Alone', Robert D. Putnam presents extensive data showing how Americans have become disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and democratic structures. He argues that this decline in social capital has significant negative impacts on physical and civic health. The book explores various factors contributing to this decline, including changes in work, family structure, suburbanization, and the influence of technology such as television and the internet. Putnam also discusses historical precedents and potential solutions for reviving civic engagement and social connections.
Me, but Better
Olga Khazan
In 'Me, But Better', Olga Khazan embarks on a year-long experiment to change her personality, delving into the science of personality change. The book offers evidence-backed techniques to help readers transform their lives by adopting behaviors that align with their desired traits, leading to greater happiness, health, and success.
Abundance
The Future Is Better Than You Think
Peter H. Diamandis
Steven Kotler
In this book, Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler present a contrarian view that the future is brighter than commonly perceived. They document how exponential technologies, DIY innovators, technophilanthropists, and the rising billion (the world's poor empowered by modern communication technology) are conspiring to solve global problems such as access to clean water, food, energy, healthcare, education, and freedom. The authors provide examples and strategic roadmaps for governments, industries, and entrepreneurs to address these challenges, offering a optimistic outlook on the potential for technological innovation to improve human living standards[2][4][5].
Face-to-face socializing in America has declined by more than 20% nationwide. Among some groups, like young adults and unmarried men, the drop is closer to 40%.
But strangely, this hasn’t led to the loneliness epidemic that you hear so much about. Instead, we’re seeing a new phenomenon: rising aloneness without rising loneliness.
Today on the show, Derek Thompson will help us understand this puzzling disconnect and its profound implications. Derek is a staff writer at The Atlantic who recently wrote a piece entitled “The Anti-Social Century.” In the first half of our conversation, Derek unpacks the cultural shifts and technological developments — and no, it’s not just the smartphone — that have created what he calls the “convenience curse.” We then get into why even self-described introverts are often happier when forced to socialize, the concerning trend of young men settling further and further into isolating, sedentary leisure, and practical ways we can strengthen our atrophied social muscles to become better, happier people.
The Art of Manliness 
