Derek Thompson's February 2025 article in The Atlantic highlights a significant societal shift in the U.S. towards home-centered living, noting that this trend predates the COVID-19 pandemic and has roots dating back to 2003. Nearly 30 minutes less per day were spent on out-of-home activities by 2019 compared to 2003. Factors such as technology advancements have contributed to this phenomenon. The pandemic only intensified an existing decline in social engagement, leading to lasting changes in traffic patterns, public transit dynamics, real estate, workplace routines, and mental health.
All of this has major implications for traffic, public transit, real estate, the workplace, socializing, and mental health.
The COVID-19 pandemic did spur more Americans to stay home. But this trend didn't start or end with the pandemic.
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