Imagine this: you’re young, savvy with every app on your phone, and your digital footprint would impress even the most techy among us. But when it comes to real, hearty, laugh-out-loud friendships—the kind that doesn’t just happen in your DMs—things get a bit stickier.
Welcome to the curious world of Gen Z and millennials in Britain, where being hyper-connected somehow leaves room for a genuine connection deficit.
A fresh scoop from a nationwide survey by ASK Italian throws up some numbers that are hard to scroll past: 41% of these young Brits find it a real puzzle to forge new friendships face-to-face.
And yes, they reckon their parents and grandparents are having a better time of it socially, with 50% envying the more vibrant social lives of older generations.
Now, despite the bustling followers and the ever-busy social feeds, the truth hits harder: the average youngster counts only SIX true friends.
Indeed, six genuine mates in an ocean of digital buddies. In the dash to link up on the web, it appears the craft of forging substantial, lasting bonds is slipping through the cracks between tweets and snaps.
Nearly half of Brits under 44 reckon that the digital barrier is making face-to-face interactions more challenging than necessary.
With 40% feeling left out of the real-life social loop, and 39% ticking the ‘lonely’ box, it’s clear there’s a gap that no app can fill.
Diving deeper into the solitude saga, about 41% confess they’re at a loss about where to start making friends.
And it’s not just about being shy. Social anxiety nips at the heels of 42% of them, a third are too tangled up in work, and more than a few (34%) find real-life meetups just plain awkward.
Others find solace in the ease of online chatter, struggle with low self-esteem, or simply don’t know the right spots to mingle.
In a delicious twist, ASK Italian is heating things up with their “Feeding Friendships” initiative. Picture it: every Wednesday, a visit to ASK Italian might treat you and your pals to some scrumptious giveaways.
The concept is straightforward—encouraging authentic chats over sumptuous meals, trading screen time for meaningful face-to-face interaction.
Caitlin Hoey, the brains behind the brand initiative, points out, “We know keeping up with friends as adults is tough, with life pulling everyone in different directions. That’s why we’re stepping in to help bridge that gap.”
Oh, and when it comes to hypothetical besties, Brits would love to grab a coffee with the likes of Ryan Reynolds or Taylor Swift. Who wouldn’t appreciate friends who add the perfect blend of humour, fame, and perhaps a sprinkle of glamour to the gathering?
Even as our screens connect us in ways unimaginable to previous generations, it appears that genuine, laugh-out-loud, share-a-meal friendships are still deeply sought after.
For Gen Z and millennials, creating heartfelt connections might mean moving away from the digital glow and into environments where friendships aren’t just made—they’re felt deeply.