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.

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