Social Isolation

A Washington Post story that ran recently reported that social isolation is growing at an alarming clip. At least a quarter of Americans say they have no one they can discuss personal problems with, more than twice the number when Americans were polled in 1985, and people have two confidants in their inner circle, down from three to about two. This new study shows that intimate social ties, long considered beneficial for any civilized society, are in the study's words, "are shrinking or nonexistent."

Sociologist Robert D. Putnam told the Post the study confirms his worst fears about America. "For most of the 20th century, Americans were becoming more connected with family and friends, and there was more giving of blood and money, and all of those trend lines turn sharply in the middle '60s and have gone in the other direction ever since," he said.

Long suburban commutes, television, the Internet (hi there!), and corporate regimentation in the workplace are largely considered the main factors for social isolation. A culture dependent on cars certainly prevents people from walking and riding public transportation, denying them the chance to meet and befriend each other (my aunt and uncle met on a bus!), and people who can't name anyone on their blocks can probably name all of the fictional characters on their favorite sitcom. This trend worries me, personally. Not only are socially isolated people less happy and less productive, they're much easier for corporations, advertisers and the government to control.

That may already be happening. :-(