An Epidemic of Friendlessness Ep2

In this episode of The Second Look, we explore the current state of friendship in today’s world. From headlines about a “friendship recession” to rising rates of loneliness, something is clearly shifting in how we connect with one another. Why does friendship feel more fragile than ever? And what kind of intimacy are we really looking for?

To help unpack these questions, I’m joined by Shannon Foster, a psychology student whose research focuses on the science of friendship and emotional closeness. Together, we reflect on what’s changing and how we might begin to reconnect in more meaningful ways.

Show Notes

Cost, Ben. 2021. “Americans Have Fewer Friends than Ever Before: Study.” New York Post. July 27, 2021. https://nypost.com/2021/07/27/americans-have-fewer-friends-than-ever-before-study/.

Cox, Daniel. 2021. “The State of American Friendship: Change, Challenges, and Loss.” The Survey Center on American Life. The Survey Center on American Life. June 8, 2021. https://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/the-state-of-american-friendship-change-challenges-and-loss/.

Pew Research Center. 2019. “Americans’ Trust in Other Americans.” Pew Research Center - U.S. Politics & Policy. July 22, 2019. https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2019/07/22/the-state-of-personal-trust/.

Volpe, Allie. 2024. “The Surprising Truth about Loneliness in America.” Vox. Vox. August 13, 2024. https://www.vox.com/even-better/366620/loneliness-epidemic-coping-demographics-america-social-connection-mental-health.

Williams, Ray. 2024. “What We Know about the Loneliness Epidemic and How It’s Different than Being Alone.” Medium. February 13, 2024. https://raybwilliams.medium.com/what-we-know-about-the-loneliness-epidemic-and-how-its-different-than-being-alone-6c2fb5e197fb.

Zhou, Youyou. 2024. “Feeling Alone? Here’s What the Data Says about How to Fix That.” Washington Post. The Washington Post. December 23, 2024. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/interactive/2024/friends-loneliness-solitude-friendships/.