America is becoming a nation of homebodies
They say not all who wander are lost, but those who never leave the house always know where a bathroom is – a stance a growing number of Americans share. The US is spending more time at home than ever before, per a recent analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ annual American Time Use survey.
- The new research found Americans' time at home increased by 1 hour 39 minutes per day from 2003 through 2022.
- Overall, Americans ages 15–34 spent more time at home than other groups, clocking in at ~2 more hours/day in 2022 compared to 2003.
Driving the trend: Experts attribute a large share of the increase to more Americans working from home, a trend present before the pandemic but further exacerbated by Covid. Between 2003-2019, the share of Americans’ work time spent at home rose from 13% to 17% – and once the pandemic hit, that figure spiked to 29%.
But data also shows other activities like shopping, eating/drinking, and religion have gradually shifted into the home over the past 20 years, as advancements in technology and rising prices have made going out a less attractive option.
- The number of Americans shopping on any given day fell from 46% in 2003 to just under 40% last year, while the US online shopping industry grew from $17 billion to $99 billion over the same period.
- 59% of Americans’ religious activities occurred at home in 2022, up from 24% in 2003.
- Average monthly spending on transportation rose to $1,098 in 2023, representing the second-largest expenditure for Americans behind housing.
Zoom out: While loneliness isn’t necessarily the same as being alone, Americans’ time spent at home has been rising in parallel with social isolation and loneliness. US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared a national loneliness epidemic in May 2023, citing data that shows ~50% of Americans have experienced loneliness in recent years.
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Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that Americans are opting to spend more time at home because they are exhausted, especially from work, and that it is better to simply ask people why they want to stay home instead of putting the blame on technology.
- Others argue that it’s not too late for Americans to go out with friends more often before the long-term consequences of social isolation and routine home-alone time become the norm.
- “We’re Spending More Time Alone. Maybe It’s Because We’re Exhausted.” –Jessica Grose, The New York Times
- “Americans are choosing to be alone. Here’s why we should reverse that.” –Bryce Ward, The Washington Post
- “Americans Are Lonely and Disconnected. Better Civic Spaces Can Help.” –Shawn McCaney, Governing Magazine
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that by reallocating and investing more of our time in building friendships at work and in our neighborhoods, American men can feel less disconnected and increase their meaningful relationships.
- Others point to technology as a major contributor to the loneliness epidemic – not just through social media, but our overall reliance on technology for goods and services which robs us of meaningful social and moral engagement.
- “American Men Suffer a Friendship Recession.” –Daniel Cox, National Review
- “Whitfield: Why are Americans so lonely, and what can we do about it?” –Joshua Whitfield, The Dallas Morning News
- “Perspective: Confessions of a work-at-home dad.” –Jesse Hyde, Deseret News
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