In your opinion, what’s the main reason why Americans are spending more time alone today than ever before?

"Americans are spending more time alone, feeling overwhelmed by stress from politics, finances, world issues, and mental health struggles. Many turn to their phones for escape, but this often makes things worse. A 2021 study by the Survey Center on American Life found that the number of Americans without close friends has quadrupled since 1990 (americansurveycenter.org). On top of that, 5% to 10% of Americans—about 16 to 33 million people—are addicted to social media, which gives the illusion of connection while actually increasing loneliness (addictioncenter.com). This growing isolation is fueling a mental health crisis. Social media use is linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. It’s a snowball effect—people turn to their screens for comfort but end up feeling even more disconnected. As real-life connections weaken, mental health declines, making it even harder to break the cycle."

• "In a world that can feel so out of control with a constant stream of noise, spending time alone equates to solace. It's never been easier to create hygge in your own home with just a few creature comforts like candles, crocheted blankets, a hot bath with soothing scents, tea or hot cocoa, puzzles, or a good movie and a delivery from a favorite restaurant. Meditation apps or podcasts can also bring peace of mind and body, along with streamed yoga practices and a good book or audiobook from your public library or elsewhere. Not to mention, if you have fur babies, you have built in companions who eternally love and trust you with no questions asked. Spending more time alone in a place you can control promotes healing and rest within."

"In my opinion, I would say it’s because of our fierce sense of individuality. I would argue that it’s the internet, but then why are so many countries with internet still doing fine, loneliness-wise? It’s hard to measure a country’s mindset, but from what I’ve experienced, it is considered shameful to give up your sense of independence in exchange for human contact. For example, living with your parents past the age of 20. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, (in many Asian countries this is normal) however it’s considered to be shameful to still be dependent on human contact. Living with roommates still gets a bad rap, too."

• "Much to my surprise, i learned to love spending time at home during Covid. It helped me focus my time and energy on a few key relationships that truly mattered. I learned to be more comfortable in my own head without others around. I developed hobbies and skills that I otherwise would never have had time to learn, and I saved a tremendous amount of money by not eating out and instead started entertaining my friends in my own home."

"I think there are a number of contributing factors, however, I think the main reason is our reliance on social media for connection. It's so much easier to say what you want and how you feel when you have a device, four walls, and the web between you and others. I do not think this is healthy, however, when you can cuddle up on your couch with a favorite beverage and snack, binge-watch your favorite shows/movies, order food delivery, and still engage with the outside world for news, entertainment, retail therapy, friendship -- why go out? No need for makeup, a bra, hair styling, or outfit picking. We have become quite lazy in this respect and therefore spending more time alone."

• "I think the rise in social media and communicating online has caused people to struggle with having meaningful conversations and possessing strong interpersonal skills because of how online communication is very surface level. I also think it's a generational issue. I find it much easier as a Gen Z to communicate with Gen X and older millennials then other Gen Z'ers."

"As someone who has been spending a great deal of time at home over the last 4-6 months, I find peace in the solitude. It’s become a chance for me to be a better steward of what I already have: a family, my health, my home, and my passions. It’s been a time that’s free of distractions from social media pings and political drama and focuses instead on being present in my today. That may not be the reason others are spending time alone at home, but it seems like a good reason to me!"

• "Anxiety—whether it’s social anxiety, general stress, or even fear of the world feeling unstable. With constant exposure to bad news, safety concerns, and post-pandemic habits lingering, a lot of people feel more comfortable staying home. Technology feeds into that too. Everything is available at the push of a button, so there’s less need to push through discomfort to go out."