I was getting lonely. Here’s what happened when I tried to make new friends in my 30s

The modern world seems to be designed to keep people isolated and alone, with services like streaming and food delivery encouraging individuals to stay at home. Despite having wonderful friends, many have moved away due to the high cost of living in cities like London, making it difficult to form new connections. Forming meaningful relationships in one's 30s can be a significant challenge. The World Health Organization has identified social isolation as a growing global public health concern. The decline of traditional offices and the rise of single-occupancy flats are contributing to the erosion of social lives. The convenience and safety of staying home are often touted by advertisers, further discouraging people from going out and interacting with others. This trend is perpetuating a culture of loneliness, where people are left with little to spend their money on but solitary pursuits. The cumulative effect is a society where individuals are increasingly disconnected from one another. The author is not alone in feeling lonely, and this sense of isolation is becoming a widespread problem. Ultimately, the consequences of this trend could have far-reaching and detrimental effects on our collective well-being.