An alarming survey reveals that over two-thirds of Americans do not engage in social activities on a typical day, while their screen time has increased significantly over the last decade.
William Chopik, a psychologist and data scientist at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, pointed out that the lack of social interaction has particularly affected Gen Z.
“They have a harder time forming social connections,” noted Chopik.
According to data from the American Time Use Survey, only about 30% of Americans interacted socially or communicated daily in 2025, a decline from 38% in 2015. The time spent socializing also dropped from 41 minutes to 35 minutes daily, coinciding with an increase in leisure time devoted to gaming or using computers and social media, which surged from 25 to 37 minutes a day.
Among Gen Z individuals aged 15 to 19, the amount of time they spend on screens averages 1.5 hours per day, as highlighted by the study.
Chopik attributes much of this change to the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns, which forced many young people to stay indoors during formative years.
“Their teenage years and early adulthood were defined by a really chaotic period; they were basically confined for two years,” he said.
“At such a crucial time when they should have been learning to socialize and discovering their identity, you can’t reclaim those years,” he continued. “Also, the economic turmoil during this time had significant social implications.”
This report adds to previous findings that show Gen Zers are experiencing reduced sexual activity and less alcohol consumption compared to their predecessors at the same age.
Chopik mentioned that while the pandemic-induced disruptions have caused a decline in socializing across all demographics, Gen Z appears to have developed a more avoidant attachment style, making it more challenging for them to reconnect after the lockdowns.
Other environmental influences could also be contributing to these trends.
“There are fewer spontaneous gatherings these days; ‘third places’ are dwindling,” he observed. “When I was younger, there were spots to hang out that didn’t cost a lot. Those places still exist, but they’re not as common now. Plus, life is quite expensive. Previously, there were more affordable options for socializing,” he added.
The heavy reliance on screen communication might also hinder young people’s ability to develop vital face-to-face social skills, such as active listening, resolving conflicts in natural settings, and managing social commitments, according to Chopik.
Nevertheless, he believes that young people still yearn for authentic connections.
His research is aimed at teaching foundational interaction skills to Gen Z participants, helping them forge friendships and improve their mental health.
Chopik seeks to address the challenges Gen Z faced during their youthful years, working to mitigate the disadvantages brought about by those circumstances.
He expresses hope that observations from Generation Alpha indicate that Gen Z may just be a brief anomaly in social behavior before things return to a more typical state.
“It seems like Gen Alpha is thriving and eager to socialize,” he remarked.
