The 2023
Citizen Connections Report
Over the past few years, a crisis of social connection has emerged:
The US Surgeon General reports loneliness as more fatal than smoking & obesity
The UK's Minister of Loneliness calls it “one of the greatest public health challenges of our time”
Mount Sinai Hospital in Canada attributes 45,000 deaths a year to loneliness
The three drivers of the Connection Deficit:
We've Deliberately Shrunk Our Social Circles
74% think more about who they spend time since the pandemic
Nearly 30% are less likely to talk about anything controversial
15% have lost friends due to polarization, while 16% have found new friends that share their beliefs
We Need Both Online & Offline Connection
78% prefer spending time with others in real life. Why? Improved communication & camaraderie
A quarter found resonance in discovering like-minded individuals online. Why? Convenience and specificity
Only 12% of total respondents trust those that they meet online
Mental Health Is The Biggest Barrier
57% of our respondents agree with the statement “I feel lonely sometimes even when I am surrounded by people”
20% say they are more anxious in social settings
Mental Health was the #1 social issue respondents want to see brands addressing
How Brands Can Tackle Social Connection
