News
Are Gen Zers Losing the Art of Friendship? Here’s What Research Says

Recent research and headlines suggest that Generation Z is facing unprecedented challenges in making and maintaining friendships. But is this generation truly “losing the art of friendship,” or are they simply navigating new social realities?
“Making new friends was really tough during the pandemic, so networks across the board were shrinking.”
— Janice McCabe, Associate Professor of Sociology at Dartmouth College
The Pandemic’s Lasting Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted the traditional pathways through which young adults form lasting bonds. Studies show that the pandemic not only made it harder for Gen Zers to sustain existing friendships, but also to create new ones, as both school and work — historically hubs for social connection — became remote or inconsistent [Dartmouth College study][BBC Worklife].
A Dartmouth College study tracked Gen Z students over five years and found that only about 25% of their college friendships survived that period, a dramatic drop-off attributed to both the pandemic and shifting social habits [WellWellUSA].

Social Media: More Connected, More Isolated?
Gen Z is the first generation to grow up fully immersed in social media, which has changed the nature of friendship. While platforms like Instagram and TikTok make it easy to amass hundreds of “friends” or followers, many Gen Zers struggle to differentiate between acquaintances and true friends. This can lead to confusion and disappointment when online connections fail to provide real support [Counseling Today].
Online friendships can feel disposable — it’s easy to block someone or simply move on, making it harder to develop the resilience and communication skills needed for deeper, long-term relationships.
Changing Social Structures
Traditional friendship-building environments are also shifting. Older generations were twice as likely to make friends at work compared to those under 30, according to a recent survey. Gen Zers often rely on friends from school or college, but as they enter adulthood, making new friends becomes more challenging [McKinsey].
Apps and online groups have emerged as new spaces for connection, but these can feel daunting or transactional, and don’t always replace the sense of belonging found in real-life communities [BBC Worklife].
Loneliness and Mental Health
The consequences are serious. Eight out of ten Gen Zers reported feeling isolated, more than twice the rate of senior citizens, according to a Cigna Group survey [WellWellUSA]. The U.S. Surgeon General has even declared loneliness an epidemic, warning that social disconnection increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and even premature death.
A New Kind of Friendship Network
Sociologists have identified three main friendship styles among Gen Z:
- Tight-knitters: One densely connected group of friends
- Compartmentalizers: Several small, separate friend groups
- Samplers: Few friends, rarely staying connected
Most Gen Zers fall into the compartmentalizer or sampler categories, which can make it harder to maintain deep, lasting friendships over time [WellWellUSA].
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite these challenges, friendship remains central to Gen Z’s happiness. A recent study found that 76.9% of single Gen Z respondents claimed to have a best friend, significantly higher than the national average [Newsweek].
Gen Z is also more open than previous generations to making friends online and through interest-based communities, suggesting that while the methods are changing, the desire for connection remains strong [BBC Worklife].

Conclusion
Gen Z isn’t losing the art of friendship — they’re reinventing it. The obstacles are real: pandemic fallout, digital overload, and shifting social structures. But the generation’s willingness to seek connection in new ways, and their recognition of friendship’s importance to well-being, may ultimately help them build more resilient and meaningful relationships in a rapidly changing world.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life
Entertainment
Kim Kardashian Achieves Law Goal

Kim Kardashian has reached a major milestone in her legal journey, graduating from California’s Law Office Study Program after six years of dedicated effort. The reality star and entrepreneur celebrated her achievement on May 21, 2025, with a backyard ceremony surrounded by her children, sisters Khloé and Kourtney Kardashian, close friends, and mentors.
Kardashian’s path to this accomplishment was unconventional. Rather than attending a traditional law school, she enrolled in California’s Law Office Study Program in 2018, which allows aspiring attorneys to apprentice with a licensed lawyer and complete rigorous self-study requirements. The program, typically four years, took Kardashian six years to finish due to the COVID-19 pandemic and her demanding professional commitments..
During the ceremony, Kardashian expressed her excitement on social media, writing, “I finally graduated law school after six years!!!” Mentors and supporters praised her perseverance, with attorney Jessica Jackson highlighting her 5,184 hours of legal study while balancing motherhood, her business empire, and her advocacy work.. CNN commentator Van Jones, who has worked with Kardashian on criminal justice reform, also honored her dedication at the event.
Kardashian’s legal journey included passing the First-Year Law Students’ Examination, known as the “baby bar,” on her fourth attempt in 2021, and completing the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) in March 2025—both prerequisites for sitting the California Bar Exam.. Throughout her studies, she continued to champion criminal justice reform, helping to commute sentences for several incarcerated individuals.
With her law program now complete, Kim Kardashian is preparing for the next step: taking the California Bar Exam. If successful, she will officially become a licensed attorney, following in the footsteps of her late father, Robert Kardashian Sr., and marking a new chapter in her already remarkable career.
Entertainment
Wrongfully Accused? Harvey Weinstein’s Plea for Fairness and Truth

In a rare and revealing on-camera interview, Harvey Weinstein, once a titan of Hollywood, sits down with Candace Owens to break his silence following the overturning of his New York conviction. Weinstein, who became the central figure in the #MeToo movement, claims he is the victim of a miscarriage of justice, insisting he is “wrongfully accused.” In this candid conversation, Weinstein reflects on his fall from grace, the role of the media, the complexities of his relationships, and his ongoing fight for what he calls “fairness and truth.”

Weinstein’s Appeal: “I Am Not Angry, But Angry at the System”
Weinstein opens the interview with a measured tone, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak but making clear his frustration with the legal system. “I’m not angry, but I’m angry at the system,” he says, emphasizing that his conviction was overturned and that he is currently awaiting retrial. He draws a distinction between personal failings and criminal acts, admitting to “terrible mistakes” in his personal life—cheating on his wife, hurting family and friends—but vehemently denying the criminal charges against him.
“I did not commit these crimes. I swear that before God and the people watching now and on my family. I’m wrongfully accused. But justice has to know the difference between what is immoral and what is illegal.”
The Media and the Court of Public Opinion
Weinstein is forthright about his belief that the media played a pivotal role in shaping public perception and prejudicing his case. He thanks Candace Owens and podcasters like Joe Rogan for giving him a platform, contrasting their approach with what he sees as the mainstream media’s rush to judgment.
“The media doesn’t favor me… the mainstream media uses every opportunity to discredit me. But I speak for innocent people—justice has to matter. Evidence has to matter.”
He laments the lack of support from former friends and colleagues, attributing their silence to a fear of being “canceled.” Weinstein describes the atmosphere as a “witch hunt,” where even those who might have supported him were too afraid to speak out.

High-Profile Accusations and Weinstein’s Response
The interview touches on specific allegations, most notably those made by Gwyneth Paltrow. Weinstein acknowledges making a pass at Paltrow but denies any abusive behavior, offering his own account of their professional relationship and the incident in question. He points to years of successful collaboration and public displays of friendship as evidence that the relationship was not as toxic as later described.
“I definitely made a pass, I guess. You could call it that. But that was the sum total of that situation… Now I heard, you know, that she thought the relationship was abusive. Anybody who was there who witnessed that relationship—it just turned into total friends.”
The #MeToo Movement: Conflating Immorality with Criminality
Both Weinstein and Owens express concerns about the #MeToo movement’s tendency to blur the lines between uncomfortable encounters and criminal acts. Owens argues that conflating being “hit on” with rape is irresponsible, and Weinstein agrees, suggesting that he became the scapegoat for a movement seeking a high-profile conviction.

“It’s all conflated and it’s all led to the idea that I am going to be the one they prosecute. I am going to be the one they persecute.”
Weinstein points out that after his conviction was overturned, prosecutors chose to pursue a retrial rather than drop the case, further fueling his sense of being targeted.
Polygraph Tests and Unreported Evidence
Weinstein reveals that he has taken lie detector tests regarding some of the accusations, claiming to have scored highly for honesty. He expresses frustration that such details were not widely reported in the press and that certain exculpatory evidence was excluded from court proceedings.
“I want the world to know that I did that. And I hope the women would just take me up on the challenge and say, ‘Okay, we’ll do it, too.’ But I doubt they will, but I will.”
The Fallout: Isolation and the Changing Media Landscape
Weinstein reflects on the personal cost of the allegations and subsequent conviction. He describes losing nearly everything—his career, reputation, and relationships with many in Hollywood. Only a handful of friends from before his rise to power remained loyal, while others distanced themselves or publicly condemned him.
He also notes the shifting media landscape, observing that independent voices and podcasters now have the power to challenge mainstream narratives and revisit controversial cases like his.

Conclusion: A Plea for Fairness and Truth
Harvey Weinstein’s interview is a complex, emotional, and controversial plea for a more nuanced understanding of his case. He admits to moral failings but maintains his innocence regarding the criminal charges. Weinstein calls for a justice system that distinguishes between immorality and illegality, and for a media environment that prioritizes evidence over sensationalism.
Whether or not the public is ready to reconsider Weinstein’s case, his interview is a reminder of the ongoing debates about due process, media influence, and the legacy of the #MeToo movement. As Weinstein awaits retrial, his story continues to provoke questions about justice, accountability, and the power of public opinion.
Disclaimer:
This article summarizes and contextualizes statements made by Harvey Weinstein in a recent interview. The views expressed are those of the interview participants and do not constitute an endorsement or verification of any claims. Weinstein’s legal proceedings are ongoing, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life
Entertainment
Usher Named as Witness in Explosive Day 6 of Diddy’s Abuse Trial

Day six of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal abuse and racketeering trial erupted with bombshell revelations, emotional testimony, and a surprise celebrity name-drop that could change the course of the case. The courtroom was packed with tension and drama as witnesses recounted harrowing stories, the defense fought back aggressively, and Usher’s name surfaced in connection to a shocking alleged incident.

The “Flavor Camp” Connection: Usher’s Early Years with Diddy
One of the most talked-about moments came when Don Rashard, a former member of Danity Kane and Diddy Dirty Money, testified about her time in Diddy’s orbit. She referenced Usher’s well-known history with Diddy, recalling how music executive LA Reid sent a young Usher to what was called “Puffy Flavor Camp.” Usher himself has spoken about living with Diddy as a young teen, describing the environment as wild and inappropriate for a child. Rashard’s testimony suggested that Usher, at just 13 or 14, was exposed to an adult lifestyle and possibly witnessed troubling events.
Shocking Testimony: Usher Allegedly Witnessed Abuse
The morning’s most explosive moment came when Don Rashard named Usher as a potential witness to abuse. She claimed that Usher was present at a dinner in Los Angeles where Diddy allegedly punched Cassie, his former partner, in the stomach. Other music industry figures, including Jimmy Iovine and possibly Ne-Yo, were also mentioned as being present. While it remains unclear whether Usher directly witnessed the assault, his presence at the scene is enough to raise serious questions and could lead to him being called to testify.

Forced Labor and Threats: The Chef’s Story
The prosecution introduced testimony from Diddy’s former chef, who was allegedly subjected to forced labor. The defense tried to dismiss the chef’s experiences as irrelevant gossip, but prosecutors insisted that these details were central to their case, painting a broader picture of abuse and control within Diddy’s inner circle.
Don Rashard’s Emotional Account
Don Rashard’s testimony was a whirlwind of emotion and controversy. She recounted being threatened by both Diddy and Harve Pierre after witnessing the infamous “Cassie Skillet incident.” According to Rashard, Diddy told her, “If you tell, people will go missing,” a chilling threat that stunned the courtroom.
However, the defense quickly challenged her credibility, pointing out that this threat was not mentioned in her first seven interviews with investigators. Rashard explained that trauma had buried some memories, which only surfaced after repeated questioning. The defense also highlighted inconsistencies in her civil lawsuit and her continued contact with Diddy after leaving his label, suggesting her actions contradicted her claims of fear.

Cassie’s Best Friend Testifies: More Alarming Details
Carrie Morgan, Cassie’s former best friend, also took the stand, describing an incident in Jamaica where Cassie screamed in terror after allegedly being abused by Diddy. Morgan recounted another episode when Cassie arrived at her home with a black eye, followed by Diddy banging on the door with a hammer. Police were called, but no official report was filed.
Drugs, Guns, and “Freak Offs”
Rashard further alleged that Diddy regularly carried a gun and that his infamous Louis Vuitton medical bag contained not just recreational drugs, but Plan B and birth control pills, corroborating earlier testimony about the extreme and dangerous environment surrounding Diddy.

The Defense: Money or Justice?
Throughout the day, the defense tried to frame the witnesses’ motives as financial, suggesting that the numerous civil lawsuits against Diddy were nothing more than money grabs. Rashard pushed back, insisting her goal was justice and accountability for the trauma she and others endured.
What’s Next? Usher on the Stand?
With Usher now named as a potential witness, the trial could take an even more sensational turn. If called to testify, Usher’s account of his time at “Flavor Camp” and what he witnessed as a teenager could open the floodgates to more revelations—not just about Diddy, but about the broader culture of abuse and exploitation in the music industry.
As day six concluded, the courtroom was left reeling from the emotional testimony, celebrity involvement, and the ever-growing complexity of the case. With more witnesses expected and the possibility of Usher taking the stand, the Diddy trial is shaping up to be one of the most explosive legal dramas in recent music history.
What’s your take on these developments? Do you think Usher’s testimony could change the outcome of the trial?
For more updates on entertainment, business, and culture, stay tuned to Bolanle Media.
Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life
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