Hanging out together is becoming a lost art
Image: Newsweek
The group chat may be doing a little too much heavy lifting for many friend groups, according to new research.
Americans of every age have spent less time socializing in-person over the past 20 years, per new data from the US government’s American Time Use Survey.
- Overall, the average time spent socializing each day fell from 45 minutes in 2005 to 35 minutes/day as of 2025.
- The largest drop was seen among 15-to-24-year-olds, whose daily socializing dropped from 1 hour to just 35 minutes on average.
Behind the decline
While there isn't one clear explanation, many experts point to the general trend of everyday life gradually shifting indoors, which was accelerated by the Covid pandemic.
- The recent rise of remote work, food delivery, streaming services, and larger, more comfortable homes have made staying in easier than heading out.
- On any given night, Americans are currently ~30% less likely to be grabbing dinner or drinks with friends than they were 20 years ago.
Smartphones and social media have also made it easier to stay connected digitally, but researchers say that convenience often comes at the expense of face-to-face interaction. Studies show that Americans’ leisure time is increasingly spent watching TV or interacting with pets, rather than socializing with other people.
There’s also the gradual decline of "third places," or spaces outside of home and work where people naturally gather. A 2025 CU Boulder report found widespread closures of many everyday meeting places—libraries, churches, coffee shops, community centers, etc.—over the past decade or so.
Why it’s a big deal: Decades of research has linked strong social connections to better mental and physical health, from lower rates of depression and anxiety to longer life expectancy. As everyday social interactions become less common, researchers are paying closer attention to how that shift impacts the health of Americans.
📊 Flash poll: In your opinion, what’s the biggest factor behind why Americans of all ages have spent less time socializing in-person over the past two decades?
- Rise of remote life (work, food delivery, streaming, etc.)
- Smartphones/social media
- Decline of “third places”
- Other
See a 360° view of what pundits are saying →
Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that Gen Z has become increasingly isolated, and needs to make a more intentional effort to build in-person friendships and community as traditional social habits continue to fade.
- Others note that data shows Americans in big cities are spending far less time lingering in public spaces, largely because faster-paced lifestyles, the rise digital communication, and America’s aging demographics has made casual, face-to-face interactions less common than they once were.
- “Gen Z has become lonely and antisocial. We have only ourselves to blame.” –Dace Potas, USA Today
- “The Sad Decline of the Public Hangout” –Tyler Cowen, Bloomberg
- “Americans are making fewer friends. What’s going on?” –D Roger Pederson, Minnesota Star Tribune
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that declining face-to-face social interaction is contributing to greater loneliness among young people, and emphasize the need to replace disappearing social spaces and routines with new opportunities for meaningful in-person connection.
- Others contend that the decline of real-world friendships is weakening social trust and community in America, and that people’s growing dependence on digital interactions and AI is replacing the meaningful human connections that help society thrive.
- “Gen Zers aren’t talking — and it could cost them” –Maryellen MacDonald, WaPo
- “US friendship is in freefall — shredding bonds and cutting lives short” –Karol Markowicz, NY Post
- “The loneliness behind Gen Z’s sobriety” –Rick Berman, Washington Times
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