Loneliness Epidemic, Passport Surveillance and a Mystery Volcano

Tipping Point Quick Hits (01.23.25)

I recognize most of the news cycle this week has been devoted to the Trump inauguration, the decisions of his new presidency and the ceasefire hostage releases. But I didn’t want a few additional news items to escape your attention. ~ Jimmy Evans

Hearts Grown Cold: An Epidemic of Loneliness

A recent magazine story described the ongoing closures of bars and restaurants across the United States. Within the restaurant sector, business has shifted from table service to carryout or delivery service, which accelerated during the pandemic and has continued ever since. In 2023, according to this report, 74 percent of all restaurant traffic comes from “off premises” customers.

That’s a huge jump from pre-COVID numbers. And if people are dining out less, it means they are more likely to be eating alone:

The share of U.S. adults having dinner or drinks with friends on any given night has declined by more than 30 percent in the past 20 years. “There’s an isolationist dynamic that’s taking place in the restaurant business,” the Washington, D.C., restaurateur Steve Salis [said]. “I think people feel uncomfortable in the world today. They’ve decided that their home is their sanctuary. It’s not easy to get them to leave.” Even when Americans eat at restaurants, they are much more likely to do so by themselves. According to data gathered by the online reservations platform OpenTable, solo dining has increased by 29 percent in just the past two years. The No. 1 reason is the need for more “me time.”

I’m not too worried about the numbers of Americans hanging out in bars. But I do have concerns about the increasing isolation of younger generations.