Study Finds Friendships in the US Are Not in Decline Despite Loneliness Concerns

Despite the rising concerns about loneliness in the United States, particularly following the social isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, friendships have not declined, according to a new study.

Research published on July 30 in the journal PLOS One reveals that American adults typically have an average of four to five friends, consistent with data from 1970 to 2015. Only 2% of respondents describe themselves as friendless, a figure that aligns with previous years’ findings.

However, many Americans express a desire for more meaningful interactions with their friends. The study, led by Natalie Pennington, an assistant professor of communication studies at Colorado State University, found that while over 75% of participants are satisfied with the number of friends they have, 42% feel they lack the closeness they desire.

The study surveyed nearly 6,000 American adults about their friendships and well-being as part of an ongoing multi-year research project. The data showed that in-person conversations are still the most common way friends interact, although texting and phone calls are also prevalent.

The ongoing research aims to provide deeper insights into the dynamics of friendship and well-being. Future studies plan to explore varying definitions of “friend” and assess whether friendships are reciprocated.

This study highlights that while Americans generally maintain a stable number of friends, there is a significant desire for deeper connections. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers more information on the health effects of loneliness.

For further details, visit the CDC’s resources on loneliness and health.