Are Americans More Socially Isolated?

Our survey results challenge the finding that an increasing number of Americans have no one with whom they can discuss important matters. However, our findings support existing research that suggests that the average size and diversity of core discussion networks have declined.

* Compared to 1985, there has been small-to-modest change, rather than a large drop in the number of people who report that they have no one with whom they can discuss important matters. Overall, 12% of Americans have no discussion confidants. Few Americans are truly socially isolated. Only 6% of the adult population has no one with whom they can discuss important matters or who they consider to be "especially significant" in their life.

* The average size of Americans' core discussion networks has declined since 1985; the mean network size has dropped by about one-third or a loss of approximately one confidant.

* The diversity of core discussion networks has markedly declined; discussion networks are less likely to contain nonkin -- that is, people who are not relatives by blood or marriage; although the decline is not as steep as has been previously reported. (read full report at Pew Research Center)