Atomization means political “extremism” is here to stay
A record number of Americans now live alone. The U.S. Census shows that nearly 30 percent of the population lives by themselves. It was only eight percent in 1940. Ever since 1980, the number has stood above 20 percent. While not new, the figure continues to increase and shows no sign of reversing itself.
The figure highlights the loneliness epidemic in this country. Americans aren’t simply living alone. More Americans than ever before have no significant other or even friends. They’re completely disconnected from the rest of society. Despite being the most prosperous nation in human history, America is failing to satisfy the basic need of human connection.
It’s not only that Americans are feeling lonely–it’s that they’re disconnected from their roots and fellow man. Increasingly, we’re a nation of free-floating atoms only united by tax burdens. The promise of individual freedom results in stark atomization. This problem will only grow worse unless our society changes.
The data gets grimmer the more you look into this problem. At least 60 percent of Americans say they feel lonely on a regular basis. Nearly half of Americans say they have fewer than three close friends. Twelve percent say they have no friends at all. In 1990, just 27 percent reported having only one or two close friends. A 2022 Pew poll reported that 30 percent of American adults are single (meaning they’re not married, living with a partner, or committed to a serious relationship). This is worse among young men. Sixty-three percent of adult men under 30 are single, compared to just 34 percent of women the same age. These young men aren’t having one-night stands either. A 2020 study found that nearly a third of men from 18 to 24 reported no sexual activity in the past year. That figure may be higher now as the rate of sexlessness continues to rise among the general population.
The loneliness epidemic isn’t just found among the youth, of course. More elderly Americans are dying alone than ever before and a quarter of 40 year olds have never been married. But it’s particularly acute among the people who should be enjoying the best years of their life.
Loneliness literally kills. Suicide is now the 11th leading cause of death and the rate keeps rising. Mental health issues and misery are abundant among the young. For instance, nearly half of all teenagers say they do not enjoy life. Loneliness also leads to a wide variety of physical health problems. The loneliness epidemic also contributes to America’s rapidly declining fertility rate.
What caused Americans to retreat to their holes? The causes are constantly debated and assessed. Social media and other technology plays some role. Americans in the digital age no longer socialize as they once did. The lockdowns also upended human interactions in America and ruined relationships. But these are only partial explanations. The real cause is the dramatic social and cultural transformations our country has undergone.
