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Surfing as a Remedy for Gen Z’s Social Isolation
In today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven world, a worrying trend has emerged: social isolation, particularly among Generation Z. Recent studies indicate that young people today spend nearly 1,000 fewer hours per year hanging out with friends in person compared to two decades ago. Solutions for this loneliness epidemic are not just emerging but are coming from some unexpected sources.
Breaking Through Social Anxiety
Genesy Mendez, a 29-year-old elementary school teacher from Los Angeles, illustrates the challenges many from Gen Z face. Struggling with anxiety since childhood, the pandemic further compounded her social withdrawal, leaving her feeling out of practice in making new friends. “I was very hard on myself,” Mendez admits, reflecting on her journey toward overcoming her social hurdles.
The Growing Epidemic of Loneliness
This issue of social isolation is not isolated to individuals like Mendez. In 2023, a significant report from the Surgeon General highlighted a stark fact: people aged 15-24 spend 70% less time in person with friends than those of the same age did in 2003, equating to a significant 1,000 fewer hours each year.
Innovative Solutions for Connection
Enter the Foundation for Social Connection and the dating app Hinge, which teamed up to combat this worrying trend with an initiative called One More Hour. Spearheaded by Hinge’s Director of Social Innovation, Josh Penny, the program invests in groups fostering real-life connections, like a unique surfing club for women of color in Los Angeles called Intrsxtn Surf.
Penny stated, “As a brand focusing on Gen Z, we were really alarmed by the profound impact of the loneliness epidemic on them.” The solution wasn’t just altruistic; successful dating experiences on Hinge showed that individuals with robust social circles tend to thrive in romantic relationships.
Investing in Real-Life Connections
The core of One More Hour is to bring back the sense of community through organized social clubs, encouraging participants to spend more time with others in person. The initiative recognized that expecting society to revert to pre-digital habits is impractical. However, even small quantities of time spent in physical settings could significantly impact young people today.
- Hinge invested $1 million in 40 groups that meet in person across major cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York.
- The organizations include a diverse range of activities such as an art collective, a filmmaking club, and a group dedicated to shared reading.
Surfing Toward Friendship
Mendez’s involvement with the Intrsxtn Surf group proved transformative. Despite initial nerves, she found the experience fulfilling. “I was beyond nervous the first time,” Mendez recalls. But the surf sessions soon became therapeutic, validating her with genuine connections—simply having her name remembered by instructors was a transformative experience.
Challenges in Rebuilding Social Skills
Penny acknowledges that while digital interaction might have stunted in-person social skills, it’s crucial to rebuild these “muscles” for genuine connection. In fact, the biggest challenges identified by Hinge included emotional barriers to participating in such groups. Concerns like “What if I don’t fit in?” or “What if I don’t find what I’m looking for?” were prevalent among the young participants.
“The skills needed for in-person interactions feel more costly,” says Penny, emphasizing the emotional labor involved in building offline relationships.
Cultivating New Friendships
For Mendez, the benefits of One More Hour have extended beyond surfing. She has ventured to join a running group and has formed new friendships she cherishes. These connections bring her joy, and even though her partner—whom she met elsewhere—may not partake in surfing, it’s become a personal passion she savors with her newly found friends.
The journey of Mendez, along with the efforts of organizations like the Foundation for Social Connection and Hinge, serves as an important model for addressing social isolation in Gen Z. While it may not reach every member of this generation, the lessons learned could inspire similar initiatives globally, fostering an environment where young people can reconnect in meaningful ways.
Ultimately, while digital interactions have their place, it’s crucial to remember the unparalleled value that in-person interactions bring to a wholesome, fulfilling life.
Key Takeaways
- Addressing social isolation is vital for a healthy society.
- Organizations are innovating with new programs like One More Hour.
- Forming real-life connections requires overcoming emotional barriers.
- Simple, structured group activities can rekindle social skills and build fulfilling human connections.