Friendship Needs More Than a Message Thread

A new study of 79,246 college students in the U.S. and Canada found that time spent socializing with friends and taking part in groups was the factor most strongly associated with flourishing. The researchers also found that difficulties in relationships were closely linked with lower well-being. These are associations, not proof that meeting in person causes better mental health. (Read the report) (phys.org)

My connection takeaway: don’t treat this as a case against texting, or as a demand to be more social. It’s a reminder to preserve some shared time where conversation can deepen and small misunderstandings can be worked through—not just transmitted in bubbles.

A practical revision might be modest: keep the group chat, add an occasional low-pressure meal or walk, and ask whether that rhythm works for everyone. Which kind of shared time helps your friendships feel more understood?