We forgot how to talk face to face.
Texts and DMs let us stop, think and polish every word.
That feels safer, but we end up saying what sounds right instead of what we really mean, and we’re losing practice at real conversation. Americans spent about 20 minutes a day with friends in person in 2020, down from 60 minutes in 2003.1 For people ages 15 to 24, it fell from about 150 minutes a day to 40.1
Americans spent about 20 minutes a day with friends in person in 2020, down from 60 minutes in 2003 (U.S. Surgeon General).
More numbers
drop in time young people ages 15 to 24 spend with friends in person, 2003 to 2020.1
People who use social media two or more hours a day are about twice as likely to feel socially isolated.3
of U.S. adults said they had three or fewer close friends in 2021, up from 27% in 1990.1
The other side
Texting and online groups help many people stay close, especially those who live far apart or feel left out where they live.
Online groups can provide real emotional support, especially for people in marginalized communities. U.S. Surgeon General via Smithsonian ↗
Why Anthony still holds this view
Staying in touch isn’t the same as being in the room. Hard, honest conversations are a skill, and we’re practicing it less.
For marketers
Polished messages are everywhere, so real, unscripted moments stand out. Use live events, calls and unedited video to build trust.
For you
Call or meet one person this week instead of texting.