Americans' social activity declines sharply over 30 years
The gist
Data for Progress reports Americans' social activity fell sharply from 1995 to 2026.
The declines touch friendship, marriage and happiness, not just weekend plans.
How it unfolded
- 199588% of Americans reported entertaining others at home at least once in the past year; 74% reported church attendance; 58% reported a picnic; 45% reported club meetings.
- 1990 -2021The share of Americans with five or more close friends fell 25 points, from 63% to 38%, per the American Perspectives Survey.
- 2023A U.S. surgeon general advisory declared American loneliness an "epidemic."