A whole ass article and even mentions that the poorest with the fewest hours worked spend the least amount of time socializing and they seem to not even mention that there isn’t anywhere you can EXIST without paying for something except maybe a public park or a library. Standing on the sidewalk? Loitering. Coffee shop? Must buy a coffee.
They even note that people have less personal time than ever and people are working more hours. Hmm I wonder if that translates into people not being able to afford going out to do anything? I wonder if there’s any evidence to support that?
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cost-of-living-income-quality-of-life/
The findings? For the bottom 60% of U.S. households, a “minimal quality of life” is out of reach, according to the group, a research organization focused on improving lower earners’ economic well-being.
Also note that the “bottom” is the majority.
I’m not saying this article doesn’t have valid points, but it misses a lot.
On top of people not being able to afford anything, there is also stuff like this:
https://www.newsweek.com/psychology-dark-triad-psychopathy-narcissism-personality-conditions-2085956
People living in societies with more corruption, inequality, poverty and violence are more likely to exhibit “dark” personality traits—like narcissism, psychopathy and spitefulness.
“Aversive personality traits are associated with behaviors such as aggression, cheating, and exploitation—and thus with high social costs. Therefore, even small variations can lead to large differences in how societies function,” Zettler explained.
“Our findings substantiate that personality is not just something we are born with, but also shaped by the society we grew up and live in,” he said. This means that reforms that reduce corruption and inequality not only create better living conditions just now, they may also contribute to mitigating aversive personality levels among the citizens in the future."
How are you supposed to function in a society full of narcissistic psychopaths, who are driven to such behavior because of the environment they’re living in? How am I supposed to make friends when everyone around me is a selfish, abusive asshat who isn’t concerned with the well-being of others? How am I suppose to find emotional and social support in such an environment?
I think these are two major factors affecting US social dysfunction that this article didn’t address, however, I think there are a lot more, too. Including political polarization, the breakdown of education, and cult-like mentalities among the populace.
Oh there’s evidence.
25% of US workers are functionally unemployed
Of course they’re not hanging out. They’re working three low-wage jobs for 100 hours every week so they can barely stay in their roach-infested apartments, as capitalism intended.
Add in the fact exactly how does a 45 year old man go out and make friends? Because I just haven’t been able to do that. And I have tons of hobbies and love being out and around people. And unfortunately for me my closest friend died, and those connections are hard fo replace.
And my kids are all grown and don’t want hang our with dad as much has they used to.
If hobbies aren’t the way, how do you feel about animals? Just being out and walking a dog will acquaint you with people in your neighborhood, and those connections can turn into friendships. You don’t even have to own one, sign up for Rover and walk your neighbors’ dogs, then you profit AND make make a bunch of friends.
Have dog never once made connections with people.
