The Social Connections Movement

As someone developing a socialness practice, you and others in your community are part of a powerful, growing movement that is prioritizing social wellness as the #1 predictor of health and happiness – for you and those around you.

The average person spends almost 2.5 hours every day, by themselves, on social media, scrolling through feeds of curated content. Watching TV? That’s another 3 to 4 hours. With some much time spent one, well, not-so-healthy or productive activities socializing for a lot of people has taken a noticeable backseat. The American Psychological Association found that social time has dropped by nearly 50% over the past few decades and is now somewhere around 30 minutes a day – or about the same amount of time we spend eating snacks.

But times they are a-changing.

In recent years, there’s been a growing recognition of the importance of social connections and social wellness, driven by a convergence of scientific research, societal shifts, and personal experiences. The COVID-19 pandemic, brought on prolonged periods of social distancing and isolation and highlighted how vital social bonds are to our mental, emotional, and physical health.

Prominent advocates for change in our social connection habits include the World Health Organization and the U.S. Surgeon General. In 2023, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory highlighting an epidemic of social isolation in America, emphasizing that social connections are as essential to our health as nutrition and exercise. Dr. Murthy’s report detailed how social isolation can increase the risk of heart disease, dementia, stroke, depression, and anxiety, equating its impact on mortality to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Meanwhile, there’s been a rise in ‘social prescribing’ in which physicians and healthcare professionals refer individuals to participate in activities that foster social interactions, such as joining community groups or participating in volunteer work. Studies show such programs enhance quality of life and decrease demand on healthcare services

But awareness and advocacy programs only get us so far.  Your efforts building and maintaining strong social bonds are vital. You’re part of a significant shift towards valuing social wellness. By consciously investing in relationships, you and others in your community who are prioritizing quality time with family and friends and social activities are enhancing your own well-being and contributing to a healthier society.