American adults may actually have more friends than what recent surveys suggest, with fewer people reporting having no friends at all. However, many of them express a desire for deeper friendships, according to a new study.
American adults may be found to have more friends than indicated by recent polls, with a smaller number reporting complete friendlessness. Still, many desire stronger connections. These initial results come from Natalie Pennington at Colorado State University and her team, as part of the ongoing “American Friendship Project.” The study was published on July 30, 2024, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.
Having a larger number of meaningful friendships is associated with increased happiness and life satisfaction. Yet, research indicates that many American adults are feeling lonely and are socializing less than before. Despite this, there is conflicting evidence regarding whether the quantity and depth of American friendships are actually declining.
To better understand the landscape of American friendships, Pennington and her colleagues initiated the American Friendship Project, which is an extensive survey study running over several years. In 2022 and 2023, they collected baseline data by surveying nearly 6,000 American adults regarding their friendships and overall wellbeing.
The preliminary data suggest that the average American adult has about four to five friends, a figure consistent with earlier research conducted between 1970 and 2015. Only about 2 percent of those surveyed stated they had no friends, aligning with findings from previous decades.
These results imply that recent worries about rising levels of friendlessness may not be accurate. However, while most participants reported being happy with their friendships, a significant number expressed a wish for either more time with friends or for friendships of a higher quality.
The analysis also revealed that participants often interact with friends face-to-face, although phone calls and texting are also prevalent. Interestingly, college students in the survey reported a higher likelihood of forming new friendships at school, but these connections tended to last for shorter durations compared to friendships among the general adult group.
As they reviewed the baseline data, the researchers also examined the methodology and potential limitations of the American Friendship Project, considering factors such as the differing definitions of “friend” people might have and whether the friendships reported in the surveys were mutual.
Overall, the researchers believe this project has the potential to provide valuable insights into the dynamics of friendship and wellbeing over time, which could help enhance and promote these relationships.
The authors note: “Americans yearn for deeper connections with friends; although over 75% were happy with their number of friends, 42% felt they weren’t as close to them as they would prefer.”
