Why people are increasingly choosing to spend time away from others

In "The Anti-Social Century," Derek Thompson examines the rise of social isolation, a growing issue that predates the COVID-19 pandemic. He joins to discuss how people are increasingly choosing to spend time away from others.

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[Majeedigital]

I've always been a loner but i am not lonely.

[jaynebarry]

The only thing worse than being lonely, is being lonely in the company of others.

[Neobarnabas]

1. We’re tired.
2. Everything is expensive
3. People might be burnt out, getting out of abusive relationships, need distance from overbearing friends/family/kids, or have just discovered the sense of self that they weren’t allowed to, likely thanks to the pandemic. Everyone has the choice to seek out socialization, we’re more connected now than ever, but after months of terrible news and turmoil now, more than ever, people need extended time to recover from daily traumas. Give us that much! If nothing at all!

[darrenoconnell]

Not socializing has been the best thing that's happened to me. Less anxiety, less drama, less peer pressure, less wasting money. Not going back.

[FaithTrustandPixieDust]

Knowing how to keep your own company is a valuable life skill. No one will ever take better care of you, than you. ❤

[brandytorretta]

It’s because people are varying degrees of toxic, not working on their sh*t, and they don’t know how to have healthy relationships. The older you get the less tolerance and patience you have.

[eileenclaussen]

I don't need anymore negativity in my life - people are toxic and make me exhausted!

[ano]

I cannot stand the whole main character and entitlement of people in public. It is impossible to go shopping, dining out, or even in public spaces without dealing with those kinds of people.

[russellrabanal]

I'm in my thirties now. The number of friends decline over the years and I learned I was the type to put effort in friendships and it rarely reciprocated. And finding out that I was the floater friend in friend groups. Now I'm choosing peace and solitude and I am content with it. Nothing wrong with that. And I still have people I can talk to from time to time.

[wdestrempsmecke]

As a public servant, getting home and away from the public is absolutely heaven.

[untouchablex]

Because most people are "toxic" and mentally draining.

[gmarie]

This story completely ignored the REAL reason that people are isolating themselves - society has become more violent, ignorant, hateful and annoying. Decent people don’t want to be bothered. It’s that simple.

[GenX]

We introverts have been enjoying alone time for decades 😂

[Castaway_Chuck]

"I have never found a companion as companionable as solitude", HD Thoreau. I agree completely

[ReginaPhalangee]

The social exposure I get at work is PLENTY. The rest of the time is spent in SOLITUDE and I love it.

[Vincent]

I seek peace. Outside my door, there is no peace. There is always someone out there looking for their next victim.

[LordEradicus]

One thing that was not brought up in this segment is that many people chose to be alone simply to maintain their sanity and to avoid other people making them miserable. It's one thing if you have a circle of people to lift you up, but not everyone is so fortunate. Many do have negative experiences with other people and are truly happier alone.

[singularspace]

I used to be a people person.... but people ruined it.

[Supernivek]

I’m not lonely - I just don’t like people today. At all.

[shiningstar]

Leaving the house is scary in 2025. It's safer at home. The more friends one has, the more problems one has