Surprising New Data on Isolation
New data out this week shed light on a growing pandemic of isolation. Most of you (myself included) would have assumed that COVID was the instigating cause that triggered the isolation pandemic. You and I are wrong. Starting in 2014, people began to statistically spend less time with friends in a year-over-year trend that was exacerbated by COVID. Now, the average amount of time spent with friends sits at an all-time low. What happened in 2014? The smartphone market crossed 50% penetration in the United States. Take a moment and listen.
Bless you for bringing this up. I’m a 77 year old widower whose friends and family often say things like “You’re in a lot of groups aren’t you.” I am a Christian. My “groups” are all faith based from Bible study to volunteering to simply meeting for breakfast. My favorite Bible verse is Hebrews 10:24-25 because it’s all about “continuing to gather together.” Fellowship is my lifeline. It’s where life is shared.
I had no idea. Good info Eric!