Only 17% of Young Americans Feel Deeply Connected, Harvard Survey Finds

A new survey from the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School reveals a troubling trend: just 17% of Americans under 30 report feeling “deeply connected to at least one community,” underscoring rising concerns over social isolation among younger generations.

The national survey polled 2,096 individuals aged 18 to 29 and found that fewer than half feel a sense of community anywhere. Nearly one in three respondents said they are still searching for a sense of belonging or feel they don’t have one at all.

“This is a generation that’s weathered pandemic isolation during formative years, entered an unstable economy, and faced skyrocketing housing and education costs — all while being told they’re not resilient enough,” said John Della Volpe, director of polling at the Institute.

A group of friends and a dog at a park | Source: Pexels

While the causes of loneliness vary, experts are focusing on solutions to improve social well-being. Kasley Killam, a Harvard-trained social scientist, promotes the “5-3-1” rule in her book "The Art and Science of Connection," as a method to strengthen social fitness — the health of one’s relationships.

Killam’s 5-3-1 Guideline for Social Connection

• Connect with five different people each week
• Maintain at least three close relationships
• Engage in one hour of quality interaction daily

“These numbers might be high or low for a given person,” Killam notes, “but it’s a great starting point” based on research around thriving individuals.

A group of friends | Source: Pexels

The importance of social connection is further supported by the Harvard Study of Adult Development, an 87-year-long project that links positive relationships with happiness and longevity. Directors Marc Schulz and Robert Waldinger recommend cultivating different types of relationships to fulfill needs such as emotional support, identity affirmation, and fun.