Opinion | Americans are spending more time alone. Let's reverse that. - The Washington Post

These numbers continue to trend down, and none of this seems like it can be good for us.

By 2019, the average American was spending only four hours per week with friends (a sharp, 37 percent decline from five years before). Social media, political polarization and new technologies all played a role in the drop. (It is notable that market penetration for smartphones crossed 50 percent in 2014.)

I was a little shocked to see that none of this now unused time is going to those we love either.

On average, Americans did not transfer that lost time to spouses, partners or children. Instead, they chose to be alone.

We humans have a profound need to connect with others, which I totally think is a fact. We are also so anxious and avoidant of that need that it seems that little glowing piece of glass can overrid that fundamental need entirely. Related reading, Bowling Alone.