Survey finds that individuals without a college degree are more prone to have fewer close friends as adults

A recent survey revealed that nearly a quarter of U.S. adults without a college degree reported having no close friends, with less participation in social activities compared to college-educated adults. This rise in social isolation and loneliness seems to be disproportionately affecting those without a college education, with the social fabric showing signs of decline and atrophy among this group. The survey found that college-educated individuals were more likely to engage in social activities such as going to restaurants, attending church, and joining social groups, while those without a college degree had limited access to public spaces like libraries and parks. Factors like limited free time, poor access to transportation, and lack of resources in low-income neighborhoods may be contributing to this trend of social isolation among individuals without a college education. The pandemic has exacerbated the issue, but the decline in social connections has been ongoing for decades. The onus of creating and maintaining friendships seems to have shifted onto individuals, with institutions playing a lesser role in fostering social connections. The disparity in social engagement based on educational attainment highlights the need for greater access to public spaces and community resources to combat the rise in social isolation among those without a college degree.

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