I know for me personally, "visibility" is a large factor. I'm still technically friends with the kids I grew up with, but I don't talk to them much because I moved away from my hometown and I don't see them anymore. Where I currently live, it's difficult—especially as an adult—to make new connections because of the increased social fragmentation. Even if you're a sociable type, it's hard to show up somewhere completely by yourself and make new acquaintances. The only possible route is through coworkers, and that can be very hit-or-miss.
That's not to say it's impossible to get new friends, especially if you're very extroverted, but having natural relationships is getting harder and harder to come by.
Great piece; Thanks for writing. Only addition is that the end of relative ethnic homogeneity in the USA has contributed to the phenomenon you describe per Putnams buried study from the mid 00s. Lower trust, people aren’t willing to associate, and retreat into isolation
I know for me personally, "visibility" is a large factor. I'm still technically friends with the kids I grew up with, but I don't talk to them much because I moved away from my hometown and I don't see them anymore. Where I currently live, it's difficult—especially as an adult—to make new connections because of the increased social fragmentation. Even if you're a sociable type, it's hard to show up somewhere completely by yourself and make new acquaintances. The only possible route is through coworkers, and that can be very hit-or-miss.
That's not to say it's impossible to get new friends, especially if you're very extroverted, but having natural relationships is getting harder and harder to come by.
Great piece; Thanks for writing. Only addition is that the end of relative ethnic homogeneity in the USA has contributed to the phenomenon you describe per Putnams buried study from the mid 00s. Lower trust, people aren’t willing to associate, and retreat into isolation
The lonely shall inherit the earth.
The world will be a strange place when the last boomers die and all we're left with is us; so many possibilities.
great work scott.
Scott Greer is my hall pass.
uhhh... thanks!