Derek Thompson discusses the phenomenon of increasing solitude in American life, labeling this era the "Anti-Social Century." He cites findings from the American Time Use Survey indicating that Americans now spend substantially less time socializing in person compared to two decades ago. This trend is not merely about isolation but reflects a growing preference for solitude, largely influenced by technology. Thompson argues that the evolution of transportation and screen-based communication has shifted social interactions, causing a decline in face-to-face engagements and reinforcing a dangerous cycle of choosing solitude over companionship.
You can debate all sorts of things about how the texture of American life has changed. What you can't debate is the sheer, objective, existential fact that Americans are more alone than ever.
So the American Time Use Survey found that the average American now spends 20% less time socializing in person than they did just 20 years ago.
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