Are You Spending Enough Time Socializing?
Do you feel like you have less time to spend with friends? If so, you are not alone.
Recent data from Statistics Canada shows that Canadians are spending significantly less time socializing than in past decades. Only 1 in 5 Canadians reported seeing friends on a typical day in 2022. In 2015, nearly 27% of Canadians reported meeting up with friends daily, a substantial decline from the 50% who reported the same in 1986.
Canadians are increasingly struggling to find time, particularly women. In 2022, 24% of Canadians indicated they felt pressed for time, up from 15% in 1992. Increased overtime and longer working hours are forcing Canadians to juggle their schedules, often resulting in a decline in friendships.
“Friendship is voluntary and flexible, which makes it easier to let go of when time is tight,” said Laura Eramian, a social anthropologist at Dalhousie University.
Experts warn that the decline in healthy friendships is more than a lifestyle issue—it poses a threat to well-being.
Bryan Smale, director of the Canadian Index of Wellbeing, emphasizes that human connection, rather than income or social status, is one of the most vital contributors to life satisfaction. “We find our greatest fulfillment in time spent with people we care about,” he said. “Even group leisure activities—like book clubs or sports—are essential for building strong bonds.”
However, meaningful connections require more than just time; they depend on accessibility as well. “Not everyone can afford dinner out or has the space to host at home,” Eramian noted. “We need to rethink how our cities are structured to make friendships more accessible.”
The pandemic has also played a role, making individuals more comfortable with limited human contact. Although video calls helped bridge the gap, Smale points out that they don’t fulfill the needs of genuine in-person interaction. “Losing time with people who matter to us negatively impacts our well-being,” he warned. “Feeling a sense of belonging and having support available are strong indicators of overall happiness.”
Smale and other experts believe that creating time for group-based activities in easily accessible spaces—such as parks, sports clubs, and community centres—is crucial for the well-being of Canadians. These interactions can help foster the social connections that many Canadians are missing but often overlook.
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