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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Pope Francis, the first Latin American and first Jesuit pope in history, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican announced. His passing was confirmed at 7:35 a.m. local time at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, following a prolonged battle with respiratory illness that included a 38-day hospital stay for bilateral pneumonia earlier this year.

A Papacy of Historic Firsts

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was elected the 266th pope in March 2013, breaking nearly 1,300 years of European dominance in the papacy. His election marked a turning point for the Catholic Church, not only geographically but also culturally, as he brought the perspective and concerns of the Global South to the Vatican. For millions of Hispanic and Latin American Catholics, his ascent was a source of pride and connection, as he spoke their language and understood their struggles.

Humility and Advocacy for the Marginalized

Pope Francis quickly became known for his humility and his commitment to serving the poor and marginalized. He chose to live in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace, wore simple attire, and often traveled in modest vehicles. His papacy was defined by outreach to the vulnerable: he embraced refugees, denounced global inequality, and apologized to Indigenous peoples for the Church’s historical wrongs. His populist approach and focus on social justice resonated deeply, especially among those who had long felt distant from the Church’s traditional power centers.

Reform and Controversy

Francis’ efforts to reform the Church were both bold and, at times, controversial. He made annulments more accessible, allowed priests to absolve women who had had abortions, and opened the door to blessing same-sex couples. He encouraged debate on issues such as divorce and homosexuality, seeking a more pastoral and less dogmatic approach. His critiques of capitalism and calls for action on climate change won him global acclaim but also drew criticism from some conservative factions within the Church.

Final Days and Global Mourning

Despite his declining health, Francis continued to fulfill his duties, appearing during Holy Week and delivering his final Easter blessing the day before his death. The Vatican and Catholic faithful around the world are now mourning a leader who, in the words of Cardinal Kevin Farrell, “taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized”.

A Lasting Legacy

Pope Francis’ historic papacy leaves an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the world. As the first pope from the Americas, he redefined the role of the pontiff in the modern era—championing humility, inclusion, and a global vision for the Church’s mission. His legacy will be remembered for generations by the 1.3 billion Catholics he led and the countless others inspired by his example.

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As economists scrutinize GDP reports and unemployment rates, unconventional metrics—from cosmetics to undergarments—offer startlingly accurate glimpses into economic health. These “unofficial indicators” reveal how consumer behavior shifts under financial strain, often foreshadowing downturns before traditional metrics do.

Lipstick Effect: Small Luxuries in Hard Times

The lipstick index, coined by Estée Lauder’s Leonard Lauder, tracks rising sales of cosmetics during recessions. When budgets tighten, consumers skip big-ticket indulgences but splurge on affordable treats like lipstick. During the 2001 post-9/11 downturn, U.S. lipstick sales jumped 11%, while the Great Depression saw a 25% spike in cosmetics sales.

Today, brands like MAC and Sephora report 15% growth in cosmetics sales, with drugstore options gaining traction as consumers prioritize affordability. This trend reflects the “moisturizer index” observed during COVID-19, where skincare replaced lipstick due to mask mandates, but the core principle remains: small luxuries thrive when wallets shrink.

Men’s Underwear: A Bare Necessity

The men’s underwear index, popularized by Alan Greenspan, signals trouble when sales drop. Men postpone replacing worn-out undergarments until finances stabilize, making it a reliable recession harbinger. Recent data shows a 6% decline in sales, suggesting consumers are stretching non-essentials.

Lunch Habits: Brown-Bagging It

Economic anxiety reshapes meal choices. More workers now bring lunches from home, opting for cost-saving over convenience. Similarly, the snack index reveals downturns through reduced purchases of items like Chex Mix and pet treats—General Mills reported a 5% sales drop, linking it to weakened consumer confidence.

Beer and Beauty: Downgrading Discretionary Spending

The beer index highlights a shift from craft brews to budget six-packs during recessions. “Craft beer sales are significantly down,” notes supply chain expert Jackington, as social drinking becomes a lower priority. Meanwhile, beauty routines adapt: “recession blonde” trends (skipping salon touch-ups) and press-on nail searches (up 10%) reflect thriftiness3.

Why These Indicators Matter

These metrics capture real-time consumer sentiment often missed by lagging economic reports. While not foolproof, they underscore how financial strain permeates daily life—from skipped haircuts to stretched underwear. As economist Kevin Shahnazari explains, “Affordable indulgences provide psychological comfort without breaking the bank”.

In an era of uncertainty, the economy’s pulse beats in the details—proving that sometimes, the most telling signs are hiding in plain sight.

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