(OPINION) Social isolation didn’t stop with the pandemic, and a concerning new poll finds many Americans are still starving for human contact in 2024. Specifically, researchers found that more than a third of Americans feel their social life is “stuck in a rut” (37%).
The survey of 2,000 adults who have traveled with friends in the past also found that 39% haven’t made a new friend in over a year, and a similar percentage haven’t gone to a party in at least six months (38%).
For many, it’s also been at least a year since they’ve gone to a concert with a friend (59%) or been on vacation with them (44%).
Conducted by Talker Research for CheapCaribbean Vacations, the poll finds that while most would describe their existing friendships as fun and ever-changing (58%), a quarter of respondents believe their social lives feel repetitive (26%).
Thinking about the friends they do have, the average person who said they have a “best friend” would knight two of their lucky friends with that title.
Friends are “forever” for eight in 10 who said that they’ve been friends with someone for at least 10 years (81%). However, making time is difficult. The average respondent has only spent enough one-on-one time with their friends seven times within the last year.
Americans are in need of a social refresh as just 21% said they spend the most time with their close friends above others in their lives. When they do get together, those surveyed admit they’re bored of classic hangouts like getting drinks (25%), going shopping (21%), or binge-watching TV shows or movies (20%).
Still, half of respondents always or often leave their friends feeling like they didn’t spend enough time together. A majority of Americans miss their friends, with 76% expressing their wish to spend more quality time together.
“Friend getaways are just as essential as romantic escapes,” says Dana Studebaker, vice president of marketing of consumer brands at CheapCaribbean Vacations, in a statement.
“It can be hard to get the trip out of the group chat, but I think all-inclusive resorts offer friends the chance to unwind, reconnect, and create new memories — without the hassle of planning.
With everything from meals to activities taken care of, all you have to do is savor the experience together — whether it’s exploring new places, diving into adventures, or simply lounging by the pool. It’s a stress-free, fun way to bond and break away from the everyday grind.”
For one in five, a trip away with their friends is exactly what they need (22%) — even above time away with their partner or family. On average, respondents have only taken two group trips with their friends in the past two years, while 37% haven’t taken any.
