The Friendship Recession: A Cultural Crisis and How to Combat It

The US is experiencing a 'Friendship Recession,' with a dramatic decline in the number of close friendships among adults. This isn't solely due to structural factors like suburban sprawl and economic pressures; a deeper cultural shift is at play. Work has become a dominant social identity, family is prioritized over friendships, and online interactions replace in-person connections. The article explores the neuropsychological mechanisms behind this shift and proposes solutions: proactively creating opportunities for friendship formation (e.g., shared novel experiences) and maintaining friendships through structured activities. Ultimately, it argues that reversing this trend requires both structural changes and individual effort.