Americans Are Still Living in Isolation

Americans are spending less time together and more in isolation. One in five now report experiencing loneliness daily; one in six say they have no close friends. These sobering statistics underline a strong sense of disconnectedness that we share but is difficult to define.

More than a quarter century ago, Robert Putnam defined that sense of isolation. He argued in his landmark book Bowling Alone that Americans had become shockingly isolated, offering a trove of data to back up a feeling shared by many: Something had gone badly wrong with America’s community ties. It was an arresting insight, and Putnam was hailed as a de Tocqueville of his generation. His book sold hundreds of thousands of copies. He was invited to meet with President Bill Clinton at Camp David and Prime Minister Tony Blair at 10 Downing Street. Above all, he launched a heated debate on the causes of community decline.

About the Author

Noah C. Gould

Noah C. Gould is a writer with the Acton Institute.

Featured Tags

Manage following

Social Media

Civil Society

Americans are spending less time together and more in isolation. One in five now report experiencing loneliness daily; one in six say they have no close friends. These sobering statistics underline a strong sense of disconnectedness that we share but is difficult to define.

More than a quarter century ago, Robert Putnam defined that sense of isolation. He argued in his landmark book Bowling Alone that Americans had become shockingly isolated, offering a trove of data to back up a feeling shared by many: Something had gone badly wrong with America’s community ties. It was an arresting insight, and Putnam was hailed as a de Tocqueville of his generation. His book sold hundreds of thousands of copies. He was invited to meet with President Bill Clinton at Camp David and Prime Minister Tony Blair at 10 Downing Street. Above all, he launched a heated debate on the causes of community decline.