Have People Over!
Americans are spending more time at home but are less likely to invite others over, leading to increased feelings of isolation. A report from the American Psychological Association highlights that many people feel stressed and often cancel social plans. To combat this trend, experts suggest embracing low-stakes social gatherings at home to maintain relationships and improve overall happiness.
- ▪The average American spends an hour and 39 minutes more at home each day compared to 2003.
- ▪Over half of Americans report feeling isolated from others, according to the American Psychological Association.
- ▪The number of empty bedrooms in U.S. homes is at its highest since 1970, indicating ample space for social gatherings.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
FamilyHave People Over!The case for a lower-stakes social life.By Julie BeckMartin Parr / MagnumMay 31, 2026, 7:30 AM ET ShareSave The nation’s welcome mats have been doing a lot less welcoming lately. Although Americans have been spending much more time at home in recent years—an hour and 39 minutes more a day in 2022 than in 2003—they aren’t inviting other people in. The percentage of people who hosted or attended a social event on an average day has fallen by 50 percent over the past couple of decades. Socializing of any kind declined over that same period, and isolation rose. These days, it seems, home is where people go to be alone.According to a report from the American Psychological Association, more than half of Americans often or sometimes feel isolated from others.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Atlantic.
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