In an era when digital networks span the globe, many people have never felt more isolated. Across the U.S. and much of the developed world, adults are experiencing what sociologists call a friendship recession: a steady decline in close social relationships.
The work-from-home culture, constant screen time, and the fragmentation of community life have left many individuals struggling to form or maintain meaningful bonds.
But in 2025, a quiet movement is emerging to change that. From friendship apps to intentional social spaces, adults are learning or relearning how to connect in deeper, more authentic ways.
The Decline of Adult Friendship
Studies over the past decade show a striking trend: adults today have fewer close friends than previous generations. A 2023 American Perspectives Survey found that nearly half of adults reported having three or fewer close friends, and one in ten reported having none.
The reasons are complex. Remote work reduced casual office interactions that once fostered friendships. People often move for jobs or lifestyle changes, weakening local ties. And social media, while connecting us superficially, usually replaces real interaction with curated glimpses of others’ lives.
Many adults also find that after the structured social environments of school and college disappear, making new friends requires more deliberate effort — something modern schedules rarely allow. Loneliness has quietly become a public health issue, linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and even heart disease.
See How Small Acts of Kindness Impact Your Health for simple, science-backed habits that strengthen connection.
Why We’re Wired to Connect
Humans are social by design. Friendships don’t just add emotional richness — they’re essential for physical and mental health. Neuroscientists have found that social connection releases oxytocin and dopamine, the same “feel-good” chemicals that regulate stress and motivation.
Quality friendships buffer the effects of chronic stress and boost immune function. Psychologically, they provide a mirror for self-understanding and resilience. Simply put: connection keeps us alive and thriving.
That’s why, after years of isolation and digital overload, many adults are beginning to reclaim social life as a priority rather than an afterthought.
Read What We Can Learn from the World’s Happiest Countries for insights on community practices.
The Friendship Renaissance
A growing number of people are taking intentional steps to rebuild community. Friendship apps and meetup platforms — once geared toward dating or networking — now emphasize platonic connection. Apps like Bumble For Friends and Meetup are helping adults find activity-based groups, from hiking clubs to book circles. At the same time, coworking spaces and cafés host regular “no-phone nights” to encourage conversation.
At the same time, grassroots initiatives are reviving community living. “Friendship dinners,” cooperative housing, and local creative workshops provide adults with an opportunity to attend and participate in person. Many workplaces, too, are recognizing the value of social well-being, building programs that encourage team connection beyond productivity metrics.
It’s not about the quantity of friends anymore; it’s about depth. The new friendship culture values vulnerability, empathy, and presence over small talk or convenience.
Check out The Revival of Hobbies: Why Adults Are Picking Up Crafts Again to find low-pressure group activities.
Learning to Be a Friend Again
Rebuilding friendships in adulthood requires a skill many have forgotten during isolation: openness. Psychologists suggest starting with small gestures, such as reaching out, listening actively, or scheduling regular catch-ups, and treating friendship with the same care we give to romantic or family relationships.
Empathy plays a central role. A genuine connection grows when we show genuine curiosity about others, rather than trying to impress or perform. Shared experiences, such as volunteering, learning a skill, or joining a group, create the trust and repetition that forge lasting bonds.
The most successful friendships aren’t built on constant contact, but on reliability. Consistency, researchers note, is the single strongest predictor of close relationships over time.
To curb screen time and make room for connections, learn the Digital Detox 2.0.
Reconnecting for the Future
As societies grow more fragmented, the rediscovery of friendship feels revolutionary. Technology can facilitate connections, but actual encounters still occur offline, and the shared meals, quiet support, and laughter can’t be recorded.
The friendship recession may be real, but so is the response. Adults are realizing that friendship isn’t just a bonus to a busy life; it’s a foundation for a meaningful one. Relearning how to connect may be one of the most important cultural shifts of our time.
