Increased use of the Internet, along with the number of hours people are spending at work, are factors contributing to a drastic decline in the number of close friends that Americans have.
The number of people who say they have no one to talk to about important matters has more than doubled, according to a new study by sociologists at Duke University and the University of Arizona. The average number of people who respondents said they discuss important matters fell from about three to two. The more insular population is increasingly reliant on family members as confidants, the researchers say.
“This change indicates something that’s not good for our society. Ties with a close network of people create a safety net. These ties also lead to civic engagement and local political action,” said Lynn Smith-Lovin, a professor of sociology at Duke.
New technology links people over greater distances, but cuts into face-to-face meeting time, the researchers said.
NO my lack of close friends is due to everyone being out for themselves nowadays
I think trust is a major issue in this also. It’s hard to trust anyone anymore.
I know people who are HUGE Myspace nuts I just dont get that at all…….
i wonder if they counted “myspace friends” as close friends
if you really like the internet and wanna make some friends go get myspace
going outside is key. go make some new friends.
Interesting but pretty obvious. Moderation is key.