There Is A Friendship Recession Going On

Connectivity is seemingly at our fingertips, but ironically, genuine connections feel more elusive than ever. Recent studies and social commentary suggest we’re entering a new era marked by a “friendship recession.”

As intriguing as it is worrying, this phenomenon raises questions about the value we place on friendships, the challenges of maintaining them in the 21st century, and their profound impact on our health and well-being.

But why is something as fundamental as friendship becoming an area of concern, and what can we do about it?

Friendship’s Value & Complexity

Friendship, an age-old concept revered by philosophers like Aristotle as the ideal form of human relationship, stands on equality, genuine affection, and mutual respect.

Unlike other relationships, friendships are not rooted in dependency or transactional benefits. Instead, they offer a unique space for radical equality where individuals connect for nothing but the relationship itself.

This ideal, however, is becoming harder to achieve in modern society, where measuring the quality and quantity of friendships is fraught with complexities.

From the ambiguous meaning of “friends” on social media platforms to the stigmatization of loneliness, understanding the true nature of our social connections is more challenging than ever.

The Rise of the Friendship Recession

The term “friendship recession” refers to the noticeable decline in the number of people with close friends or individuals they can rely on in times of crisis. Daniel Cox, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, coined this term to describe the growing number of people experiencing this deficit. 

The factors contributing to this recession are multifaceted: geographical mobility, increased parental responsibilities, a heavy emphasis on work (dubbed “workism”), and the breakdown of traditional relationships and institutions.

These factors, combined with a societal shift towards individualism and away from communal living, have left many struggling to maintain existing friendships or form new ones.¹

Health Implications of Friendship—or the Lack Thereof

The impact of friendships extends beyond emotional support; they play a crucial role in our physical and mental health. Studies have likened the health risks of lacking close friendships to those associated with smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.²

Friendships can act as protective barriers against various health issues, offering not just emotional solace but also access to opportunities and resources.

Conversely, the absence of these relationships can lead to increased isolation, sadness, and adverse health outcomes, highlighting the necessity of fostering genuine connections.

Changing Dynamics In the 21st Century

How we form friendships has evolved and is influenced by factors such as technological advancements and changing social norms. From schoolmates and colleagues to online platforms, the avenues for creating bonds are diverse.

Yet, the essence of what makes a friendship has remained constant: the need for a connection that transcends mere acquaintance.

Despite the ease of online communication, the essence of friendship—rooted in mutual support and understanding—faces challenges in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of nurturing these connections with intention and effort.

The Gender Gap In Friendships

The friendship recession has not affected everyone equally. Studies indicate a significant gender disparity, with men reporting a sharper decline in close friendships and a greater reliance on familial support in times of crisis.

The pandemic has further exacerbated this trend, particularly affecting women’s friendships, which often rely more on face-to-face interactions. This gender gap sheds light on the varying needs and challenges men and women face in maintaining their social circles.³

Reimagining Friendship In Modern Society

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the importance of friendships remains undiminished. Addressing the friendship recession requires a societal shift in how we view and prioritize these relationships.

Embracing vulnerability, fostering environments conducive to forming connections, and acknowledging the effort required to maintain friendships are crucial steps toward mitigating this trend.

Ultimately, reimagining friendship in the 21st century involves recognizing its fundamental role in human flourishing and taking proactive steps to cultivate these essential bonds.

Sources:

1. aei.org/research-products/report/the-state-of-american-friendship-change-challenges-and-loss/
2. extension.unh.edu/blog/2022/05/prolonged-social-isolation-loneliness-are-equivalent-smoking-15-cigarettes-day
3. psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/brain-waves/202102/how-friendship-has-changed-in-the-pandemic