Eli Pariser @eli.bsky.social · Dec 4 This chart from the AEI is crazy distressing. In 1990, about 50% of Americans without a college degree had at least six close friends. In just three decades, that has plummeted to 17%. It's an enormous rupture in our social fabric -- and one that being working class exacerbates.
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Interesting stats and maybe cause for concern, but we should also point out that the percentage of Americans without a college degree is also at its lowest point in history and continues to decline for all demographic groups.
Well since 2016 everyone has written off half their friends ... seems simple.
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I admire @newpublic.substack.com’s intentionality around centering overlooked populations in new social media initiatives. So much social media innovation nowadays is focused on exclusivity. It’s sad to see kids growing up thinking that’s just how people are.
Don't worry...our would-be AI overlords are working hard at replacing these lost connections with improved and fully customizable companion algos.
Have you met people?
You used to be able to stay at one job for an entire career and now many people change every few years. I'd like to see numbers on how that the gig economy play into this. Hard to make friends with constant changes in employment, people spend a good portion of their day at work.