A recent survey has highlighted a growing social divide in America, especially when it comes to friendships. If you don't have a college degree, you might find yourself with fewer close friends and fewer chances to engage in social activities.
Education’s Impact on Friendships
The survey, which polled around 6,600 adults, found that nearly a quarter of people without a college degree said they had no close friends. This number jumps to 35% among Black adults in this group. In contrast, only 10% of those with a college degree reported the same.
Back in 1990, the number of people who said they didn’t have close friends was pretty low and didn’t vary much by education—just 2% for those with a degree and 3% for those without. But now, the gap has widened, pointing to a kind of class divide in social engagement.
Fewer Social Opportunities
People without college degrees also seem to participate less in social activities. They’re less likely to go to parks, restaurants, or even strike up conversations with neighbors. On the other hand, those with college degrees are more likely to be part of neighborhood associations, sports leagues, or hobby groups like book clubs. They’re also more likely to be involved in labor unions or attend church regularly—both places where people traditionally make friends.
Loneliness Is On the Rise
This divide comes as the U.S. faces a documented rise in loneliness and social isolation. About 30% of adults say they’ve felt lonely at least once a week over the past year, and 10% feel lonely every day. The U.S. Surgeon General even declared loneliness an epidemic last year, linking it to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and dementia.
Why the Gap?
There are a few theories about why this gap in social connections exists. One idea is that being alone is less boring now, thanks to video games and streaming services, so people might be less motivated to join social groups or spend time with friends and family. Another theory is that those without college degrees have fewer opportunities for social interaction because they might not have easy access to free public spaces, or they lack the time or money to visit places like bars and restaurants.
The Role of Public Spaces
The survey even found a gap when it comes to free public spaces like parks and libraries. Nearly 4 in 10 college-educated adults said they had visited a park at least once a month in the past year, compared to less than a quarter of those without a college degree. And while almost half of college grads had visited a library at least a few times in the past year, only a quarter of people with a high school diploma or less had done the same.
This might be partly due to where people live. A 2022 study found that neighborhoods with higher poverty rates have fewer public gathering spaces. Plus, many communities just don’t have the money to invest in public spaces, which limits opportunities for social interaction.
Not All Doom and Gloom
Adam Roth, a sociology professor, noted that people generally feel better on days when they interact with a wider variety of people, even those they barely know. Social interactions can help reduce anxiety and depression, and participating in community events has even been linked to better physical health.
The Bottom Line
All types of social interactions are important for our health and well-being. But the chances of having these interactions often depend on where we live and what kind of community support we have. So, while the social divide may be growing, it’s crucial to find ways to stay connected, no matter your circumstances.
This is why Socialode is not only a tool to change social media, but a tool to help everyone who doesn't have the opportunity to make real friends.
In the next post, we'll give you an update on where we're at, and it will come out soon. Sorry for the past delays in posting.
As Always,
You Just Need To Be You
Cheers,
The Socialode Team
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