NEW DATA SHOW SOCIAL CONNECTION REMAINS DANGEROUSLY WEAK IN THE U.S.

Second annual Social Connection in America™ survey measures the conditions that shape social connection and provides communities with data to guide action

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The second annual Social Connection in America™ survey continued to show troubling trends across several key indicators of social connection—including time spent with others, size of social networks, and social participation (clubs, religion or volunteering). Combined with continued gaps across other measures, these findings reveal a pattern from 2025 to 2026: the conditions that help people and communities thrive remain weak.

The findings come from the nation's first long-term effort to measure social connection comprehensively over 25 years, providing communities with annual national and state-level data to guide action.

"What concerns me is not any single finding, but the pattern of disconnection across the data, including too little time together, limited participation in community life and persistent loneliness," said Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University and Co-Director and Scientific Lead of the Social Connection in America™ initiative. "For a second year, we are seeing many of the conditions that support strong relationships, health and well-being remain weak. These are warning signs we should take very seriously."

Key findings from the second annual Social Connection in America™ survey provide the first year-over-year look at national trends in social connection, and show that many of the patterns identified in 2025 persist in 2026. Key findings from the 2026 survey include:

• For most Americans, time with people they care about is occasional rather than routine. Almost 70% get together no more than once or twice a month, while one in five do so only a few times a year or less often.
• Time is the greatest barrier to social connection (30.6%). Beyond busy schedules, Americans point to distance (14.8%), the effort it takes to get together (13.3%), and anxiety in social situations (11.1%) as the biggest reasons they don't spend more time with others.
• Loneliness remains a concern. Four in ten Americans report moderate to severe loneliness.
• Most Americans do not see virtual connection as an equal substitute for spending time together in person. Nearly twice as many disagree (43.9%) as agree (24.4%) that virtual interactions satisfy their need for connection as much as in-person interactions.
• AI companionship has not yet become mainstream. Most Americans (84.9%) rarely or never use an AI companion, though nearly 15% say they interact with one at least sometimes.
• Interacting across differences helps build the trust, understanding, and relationships that strengthen communities. More than one-third (37%) of Americans report interacting with people from different backgrounds or viewpoints often or all the time, while 44% do so sometimes and nearly one in five (19%) rarely or never.
• Opportunities to contribute to others and participate in community life remain critical ingredients of connection, but the study found that 57% of Americans do not belong to clubs or organizations, 58% did not volunteer, and close to half (49%) did not attend religious services in the last year.

State-level data helps leaders understand where social connection is strong and where action may be needed.

"Many of the forces weakening social connection are hiding in plain sight. We often interpret them as individual choices or modern conveniences, when they are also the result of broader social and structural conditions," said Dr. Anita Chandra, RAND Distinguished Chair in American Social Policy, Senior Principal Policy Researcher, and Co-Director and Practice Lead of the Social Connection in America™ initiative. "The goal isn't just better data; it's better decisions. Data makes social connection visible. When communities can measure it, they can move beyond assumptions and make more informed decisions about the policies, programs, partnerships and investments that strengthen it."

Despite these challenges, the survey identifies community strengths on which to build. Most Americans report feeling they belong in their neighborhood (70.6%), while many say neighbors are willing to help one another (58%) and can be trusted (49.9%). These strengths provide a foundation for strengthening social connection.

YMCA of the USA and United Way Worldwide, strategic partners of Social Connection in America™, are using the data to inform community strategies, evaluate impact and strengthen programs. The survey's platform continues to support local action by providing state-level findings and public-use data sets for 2025 and 2026, helping community organizations and local leaders consider social connection in decisions about programming, policy and funding. 

"Bringing people together always has been part of the YMCA's mission," said Suzanne McCormick, President and CEO of YMCA of the USA. "These findings reinforce that connection doesn't happen by accident. That's why the Y's new 10-year strategic vision, Creating Connected Communities, focuses on intentionally designing experiences that help people reach their goals, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to something greater than themselves. This research gives us valuable insight into how we can deepen our impact and ensure more people get what they need to thrive."

"One of the strongest messages emerging from United Way's Resilient Communities Advisory Council is that strong communities are built on strong relationships," said Rosie Allen-Herring, Interim President and CEO of United Way Worldwide. "The work of Dr. Anita Chandra and the Social Connection in America™ initiative has elevated important conversations about how trusted relationships, community participation, and social connection contribute to resilience. Those insights are helping inform how United Way delivers on community resiliency as one of our key focus areas."

About Social Connection in America™

Social Connection in America™ is the nation's first comprehensive, 25-year effort to track social connection across the United States. Led by RAND and The Connection Institute with support from the catalyst and founding funder, the Barnes Family Foundation, the project provides annual national and state-level data, creating a shared measurement system to help community organizations, policymakers, businesses and funders better understand and strengthen social connection over time. The survey currently tracks American adults and will convene a youth survey using RAND's American Youth Panel, starting in Fall 2026.

About United Way Worldwide

United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our communities, United Way is there. We bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs. Our reach across tens of thousands of communities means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives around the world. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we're working towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential. To learn more, visit www.unitedway.org.

About YMCA of the USA

The YMCA is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by empowering young people, improving the health and well-being of people of all ages, and inspiring action in and across communities. For 175 years, the Y has been a place where meaningful connections help build stronger communities. 

The Y is a part of everyday life, with locations in more than 10,000 neighborhoods in the U.S., helping people achieve their goals, build relationships, and discover a true sense of belonging. The Y plays a distinct role in building social connections through its focus on fundamental programs and services, volunteerism, community development, and advocacy that strengthens community. To learn more, visit www.ymca.org

Media Contact: Ann Saybolt, [email protected], +1.703.969.2859

SOURCE Social Connection in America