2025: Less Time on Screens, More Time with In-Person Connections

 

Rachel Botsman's article in Wired, "Ditch Screens, End the Global Friendship Recession," delves into the growing crisis of social isolation, particularly how technology—especially screens—has contributed to the decline of meaningful, real-life friendships. 

Rachel argues that the rise of digital communication has made it easier to stay connected across distances, but it has also had a paradoxical effect: people are feeling lonelier and less emotionally connected than ever before. 

This phenomenon is referred to as the "global friendship recession."

But here is the good news. The author proclaims, "2025 marks the turning point when people will try to spend less time on screens and to reclaim meaningful in-person connections." 

We can only hope so.

The article highlights various studies showing a sharp decline in the number of close friendships people maintain, with many citing social media and online interactions as partial culprits. While facilitating constant communication, these platforms fail to offer the depth of connection that face-to-face interactions do. 

In her article, Rachel stresses that human bonds are best cultivated through shared physical presence and real-life experiences, something that screens, by nature, cannot replicate.

In addition to social media’s impact, the article explores the broader societal changes—such as increased mobility, work pressures, and the fragmentation of communities—that have made it more difficult to form and maintain close, supportive relationships. 

The "friendship recession" is positioned not just as an individual problem but as a societal issue with far-reaching implications for mental health, well-being, and social cohesion.

The article suggests that people take proactive steps to foster deeper, more intentional relationships to combat this trend. This includes making time for in-person interactions, engaging in activities that promote authentic connection, and limiting screen time to allow for more face-to-face conversations.

The piece argues that by doing so, society can begin to reverse the negative effects of the digital age and nurture stronger, more resilient bonds of friendship.

Rachel makes the case that things may be changing. Hopefully, we have hit the bottom of the loneliness epidemic. Rachel optimistically writes, "We are reaching toward things that knit us back into the social fabric of local life."

She adds, "Today, there is a deep sense of loss or longing, across generations, for a time before constant connectivity, apps, and algorithms. That sentiment is called anemoia, the nostalgia for a time or a place one has never known."

So break out the board games, invite your neighbors over, leave your Smartphone in the drawer, and start connecting with friends and neighbors again, face-to-face. That small change could bring a tidal wave of social improvement, connection, and growth!

MORE INFORMATION

Have you taken the Engaged Neighbor pledge? The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge online at http://engagedneighbor.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special privileges and get invited to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton at dburton541@yahoo.com.