What are people doing instead of interacting? I've noticed this trend but i've kept my wits by ascribing it to "my peer group getting older and doing more things with their own families" - but every so often something makes my brain get hot, like this comment.
It can't all be ig/tiktok interactions, can it? I moved away from all my friends (they started it) and now it's hard to find people who have "free time" - even those that WFH! So i mostly hang out with retirees, they have free time.
1. people are working more than ever, especially in this economy. Some do lots of overtimes, some have multiple jobs (be it two literal part time jobs or full time job and doing dash services on the side). Some have other side hustles that they hope to convert into more income
Personal anecdotes: I work in games so it's never a surprise when I hear some of them need to crunch for a few months. A few others are actually trying to build up their band and do gigs every other weekend
2. non-surprisingly, people's down on money. Probably not much explanation here; not much time to hang out if they have to move (2 of my friends out of state) or job hunt after a layoff (pretty much all my friends at some point in 2023/4).
3. There's a lot of pandemic habits that never truly wore off. Some simply stay on social media, a few of my friends were always into MMOs and put more time than ever into that. They are interacting, just not necessarily with you.
4. Family. Very old knowledge, but when friends get serious partners and later spouses and especially kids, that's what they put almost all their time into. A single friend will fall off without some work.
It can't all be ig/tiktok interactions, can it? I moved away from all my friends (they started it) and now it's hard to find people who have "free time" - even those that WFH! So i mostly hang out with retirees, they have free time.