Real life human interaction is now a luxury good... ! Quoted The New York Times just last week. Our busy digitalized lives mean we remain closely (and digitally) connected to our family and friends yet see them less and less. In fact since 2012, the average person has lost two hours of social interaction per week, perhaps dedicating those hours to our new fun and healthy habits: streaming, scrolling and swiping.
Yup, we’re trading face-to-face time for streaming marathons, endless scrolling, and the dopamine-hit swiping that has defined our era. Ironically, we’re more "connected" than we’ve ever been, yet many of us feel more distant. So what’s causing this loss of social hours, why it matters, and what you can do to reclaim those moments of true connection.
The decline of social hours
A shocking statistic
Think back to 2012, a lost era almost, and way before streaming giants dominated our evenings, before social media algorithms dictated our attention spans, and before instant gratification was a scroll and a click away. Back then, researchers found that adults spent around 6 hours weekly engaging in face-to-face social interactions beyond work and obligations. Fast forward to today, and that number has dwindled to just 4 hours. While this doesn’t sound dramatic on its own, it represents a 30% drop in social time within just over a decade.
The rise of "digital socialization"
On the surface, you might not notice the loss. After all, we communicate constantly -sharing pictures on Instagram, sending memes via WhatsApp, participating in Slack chats, and reacting to colleagues’ LinkedIn updates - the list goes on. And no doubt within a year there'll be another social channel. But many of these interactions lack depth, physical presence, and emotional nuance. The convenience of digital validation has lulled us into believing it replaces in-person exchanges, but yet if you are feeling slightly emptier, a little hungrier, a nudge of yearning, then you know why.
Escapism vs. Engagement
Streaming services, mobile games, and social media have also become easy escapes. Need to unwind? Scroll through TikTok. Want to relax after work? Open Netflix. While these activities can be enjoyable, they’re often solitary, subtly eating away at the hours once dedicated to face-to-face socialization.
A habit that once felt indulgent, like "binge-watching a series," is now the norm. But at what cost?
Why it matters
Human interaction is essential for well-being (even the annoying kind!)
Spending time with others isn’t just about fun -it’s essential for mental and emotional well-being. Studies consistently show that in-person connections improve mood, lower stress levels, and even increase life expectancy. Sharing laughs, stories, and even silences helps us build trust, strengthen bonds and truly feel seen. This is why we are here.
Without these enriching interactions, feelings of loneliness and isolation creep in. Alarmingly, a 2023 Gallup report revealed that 27% of working professionals feel disconnected from their personal networks. This rise of social disconnection is now being labeled a public health concern. WHO in November 2023, stated that 1 in 5 adults experience loneliness and social isolation and therefore a worrying health concern as it is directed related to increased anxiety, depression, weight, cardio vascular health.
Professional growth through networking
For working professionals, socializing isn’t just about personal happiness. It’s also key to developing professional networks. A casual coffee catch-up or a dinner with colleagues can often lead to new ideas, opportunities, or collaborations. But as we lose hours of social time, we risk weakening not only personal bonds but also professional ones.
Isolated Leisure
Perhaps most sobering is how isolated our leisure time has become. We increasingly experience enjoyment alone instead of sharing it with others. Those hours spent playing video games, rewatching a favorite show, or scrolling your digital feed rarely lead to meaningful memories. Contrast that with the laughter and connection you feel when sharing a meal or story with a friend. Which one lingers in your mind longer?
How to reclaim your social hours
The good news? While we’ve been losing our social time, we don’t have to surrender it completely. Small choices and mindful habits can help us prioritize real-life connections.
1. Schedule social time
Just like meetings and deadlines, carve out specific times for social interactions. Whether it’s a weekly coffee catch-up with a friend, a family dinner, or an impromptu weekend picnic, put it on your calendar. Treat it as non-negotiable.
2. Create tech-free zones
Be honest - how often does a digital device interrupt your conversations? Try introducing tech-free time during social interactions. Switch off or mute phones or just put them away when dining out or meeting friends. This small change can lead to more focused and engaging interactions.
3. Join communities
Sometimes initiating plans can feel overwhelming, a drag or the fear of a 'No, I'm too busy' makes it easier not to try. That’s where communities like Share-A-Table come in. Designed for busy professionals, freelancers and creatives, we host weekly dinners that center around incredible food, lively conversation, and human connection. Imagine an evening where the only distractions are delicious dishes and flowing conversations.
4. Practice "digital detoxes"
The 'Offline Club' with over 460K followers has become popular for a reason! Dedicate evenings or weekends to limiting screen time. Use the freedom to engage in in-person activities. Small detox moments create a habit of seeking more authentic social interactions.
5. Bring back shared experiences
Instead of solo activities, explore hobbies you can enjoy with others. Be it cooking classes, co-working spaces, hiking, or even book clubs - invest time in shared experiences. You’ll not only strengthen bonds (quickly) but also get to know someone better by creating a shared reference point.
6. Prioritize depth over quantity
Finally, remember that it’s not about cramming in as many social hours as possible. Focus on quality over quantity. A meaningful conversation with one friend over dinner can be more fulfilling than a dozen surface-level exchanges online.
Join the movement for meaningful connection
The loss of two social hours a week is more than a statistic - it may seem small yet think what those 2 hours could give you in experiences. If we don’t actively prioritize real-life interactions, they’ll continue to fade, replaced by screens and algorithms showing us what they think we want, not who we need.
At Share-A-Table, we’re on a mission to revive meaningful socialization by creating weekly spaces for conversation, connection, and community. Think intimate dinners at beautifully curated venues, filled with laughter, fascinating stories (as they're not AI generated!), and friendships both old and new.
Why not reclaim those two hours today? Reserve your seat at the table and rediscover the joy of face-to-face interactions. Because life’s best connections start with a shared meal.
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