The Childhood Loneliness of Generation Z
April 4, 2022
There’s a growing concern that young adults today are experiencing an epidemic of loneliness, social isolation, and disconnection. A lot of blame is being placed on social media, or more recently the pandemic. Delayed family formation is another likely factor—young adults are marrying later than they once did. But what if Gen Z is lonelier Continue Reading →
Generation Z and the Future of Faith in America
March 24, 2022
Data from the American National Family Life Survey paints a complicated picture of religious change and disaffiliation in the country today. Continue Reading →
Diversity and Disconnection
March 1, 2022
Americans who live in areas packed with neighborhood amenities tend to have a more diverse set of friends and acquaintances. Continue Reading →
Polarization in American Family Life is Overblown
February 23, 2022
Throughout the 2020 election, stories of families and friendships ripped apart by political differences were featured regularly in the press. Many also argued that numerous Americans had become trapped in ideological echo chambers. These narratives all fed into the larger national polarization thesis which suggested Americans were deeply divided and ideologically sorted into narrow social Continue Reading →
The Problem with Parental Favoritism
February 10, 2022
There is no shortage of advice for parents. The Internet is awash with parenting tips, tactics, and strategies to meet every conceivable exigency. But for all the varying recommendations provided to parents, perhaps one of the most critical is something to be avoided—picking favorites. A new survey suggests that parental favoritism, or even the perception Continue Reading →
Emerging Trends and Enduring Patterns in American Family Life
February 9, 2022
The American National Family Life Survey examines the changing contours of American family life in the country today. Continue Reading →
Yes, Having More Friends is Better
August 9, 2021
Recent work shows that all Americans—men and women alike—benefit when they develop intimate and emotionally supportive connections with their friends. But quantity matters too. Continue Reading →
What Matters for Living a Fulfilling Life
July 29, 2021
The June American Perspectives Survey offers some clues as to what Americans believe is truly necessary for living a full and rewarding life. Continue Reading →
Can Married Men and Women be Friends? Marriage, Friendship, and Loneliness
July 20, 2021
The time we invest on our relationships, whether it is with a partner, spouse, or a friend, is likely the most important thing we can do to ensure a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. Continue Reading →
American Men Suffer a Friendship Recession
July 6, 2021
After a prolonged period of social isolation, Americans are dusting off their social calendars. But as Americans try to rebuild and reconnect, a new survey conducted by the Survey Center on American Life finds that the social landscape is far less favorable than it once was. Continue Reading →
Survey Reports
In the news
January 22, 2023
Losing their Religion: Why US Churches are on the Decline
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Coming to Terms with Being Non-Binary has Been Scary—and Freeing
January 21, 2023