The "loneliness epidemic” is well documented and publicized. But what’s the full story?

Journalist Derek Thompson published “The Anti-Social Century” in the February 2025 issue of The Atlantic.

This powerfully researched essay posits that Americans have been steadily choosing to become more isolated over the course of the last century.  Notable examples include the adoption of the automobile, the popularization of the TV, and most recently the proliferation of the smartphone.

Erin and Kelley discuss the findings of the article, impacts on our daily lives, and connect it to an essay from psychotherapist Esther Perel: Searching for Connection in a Disconnected Era.

This episode was first released on February 24, 2025.