The Friendship Recession: A Quiet Crisis

The Friendship Recession in Canadian Men: A Quiet Crisis with Big Consequences

In recent years, researchers and social commentators have begun to highlight what some call a friendship recession. It refers to the steady decline in close, meaningful social connections among men. While this trend is seen across the Western world, it is particularly evident in Canada, where shifting social dynamics, busy work lives, and changing cultural expectations have left many men feeling increasingly isolated.

The Changing Landscape of Male Friendships

A generation ago, most Canadian men reported having several close friends—people they could confide in, rely on during hard times, and share life’s joys with. Today, surveys show a striking drop in these numbers. More men report having only one close friend—or none at all. Casual acquaintances may have increased through work or digital connections, but deep, supportive friendships are becoming rarer.

StatsCan data show that in 1986, nearly 48% of Canadians saw friends in person on an average day; by 2022, that number had dropped to 19%, with working-age men (25–64) seeing the sharpest decline—from 42% to just 14%.

The Budweiser Friendship Survey found that although almost 80% of men say they have close friends, more than half see them once a month or less. Only 8% see their closest friends’ multiple times per week, a rate that declines with age.

About 6% of people have no close friends or family members, and about 19% had only 1-2 close friends. 

Who Is Most Affected?

Data suggest that certain groups of men are disproportionately affected:

·       Young men (19–29): 67% report feeling socially isolated.

·       Men living alone: 73% say they lack social support networks.

·       Racialized men: Report higher-than-average isolation.

·       Older Adults: Canadians aged 65+

·      12% reported feeling socially isolated

·      24% reported low participation in social activities. 

·      Lower participation in social activities was significantly associated with mortality, even after adjusting for health status, behaviours, and subjective isolation. 

·      Another Canada-wide study found that among older adults, nearly 3 in 10 live alone, and over one-third report feelings of loneliness. 

This paints a worrying picture: both younger men starting out and older men entering retirement face heightened risks of loneliness, isolation and associated mortality.

Why the Decline?

Several factors contribute to this friendship recession:

• Changing social structures: Community organizations, churches, and local clubs that once created natural spaces for male friendship are less central to daily life.

• Work and mobility: Men often move for career opportunities, leaving behind long-standing friendships. Demanding work schedules also crowd out time for social connection. Work at home provisions further worsen the ability to directly connect with associates and make work friends.

• Digital substitution: Online interactions—whether through gaming, social media, or group chats—sometimes replace, but rarely match, the depth of face-to-face friendship. 80% of human communication is nonverbal. Much of this is lost with a lack of face-to-face connection.

• Cultural norms: Many men still feel pressure to appear independent and stoic, making it harder to initiate or deepen friendships without vulnerability.

• Men often have smaller friendship circles: and often report feeling less emotionally connected to their friends than do women. They may be less comfortable sharing feelings or seeking support from their friends. The Covid-19 pandemic also negatively affected many young men with College from home programs and online learning requirements. When we don’t meet in person it is harder to establish real and meaningful relationships with other men (and women).

• Men often rely on their partners, especially when they are women, to manage and arrange their social commitments. Women are often perceived by men to be better at initiating and sustaining relationships.

The Consequences

The decline in friendships is not just a matter of loneliness—it has measurable impacts on health and society:

• Mental health risks: Men without strong social ties face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicide. A Canadian Men’s Health Foundation (CMHF) survey found that 50% of men feel they lack adequate social support, while 23% are at risk of moderate-to-severe depression and 64% report moderate-to-high stress.

• Alarmingly, 67% of men surveyed have never sought professional mental health support, even when struggling.

• Physical health effects: Studies consistently show that loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and early mortality.

• Strain on families and partners: With fewer friends to turn to, many men place the full weight of emotional support on their spouse or partner, which can create strain in relationships.

• Weakened community bonds: A society where men are disconnected is one with less civic participation, weaker volunteerism, and fewer role models for younger generations.

Research has reinforced that chronic loneliness is as damaging to health as smoking or obesity.

Reversing the Recession

This Friendship Recession is not irreversible. Small but intentional steps can help men reclaim meaningful bonds and reverse the recession:

• Normalize vulnerability: Talking openly about struggles builds deeper trust.

• Prioritize time: Just like fitness or career goals, friendships require commitment.

• Find community spaces: Sports leagues, book clubs, volunteering, or men’s groups can create opportunities for connection. Men often need a reason to get together or a purpose. However, once this is established and trust has been built up over time, the power of regular connection and communication can be profound and life changing.

• Strengthen social support networks: Programs that help men build and maintain friendships (peer support groups, men’s health organizations) appear essential.

• Increase awareness & reduce stigma: Since many men report never seeking help, public health messaging could emphasize that reaching out is normal and health-promoting. The #NeverAlone campaign by CMHF is one example. 

• Target vulnerable subgroups: Young adult men, men living alone, racialized men, and senior men, especially if they have lost their spouse are very vulnerable. Interventions tailored to their contexts (e.g. affordable social spaces, culturally safe supports) may be especially impactful and indeed lifesaving.

• Ensure mental health services are accessible: The gap between mental health burden (stress, depression, anxiety and suicidality) and help seeking is large; reducing barriers (cost, cultural stigma, access) is vitally important.

A Cultural Shift

The quiet crisis of disappearing friendships and connections between men deserves more of our attention. Rebuilding male friendships in Canada is not only about individual wellbeing—it’s about creating a healthier, more resilient society.

However, addressing this friendship recession in Canadian men requires a cultural shift. We must move beyond the outdated ideas that needing friends is a weakness. Friendship, especially true and lasting friendship between men should instead be viewed as a foundational strength. Connection is a core human need—and one of the strongest predictors of health, happiness, and longevity. For men this is vitally important as we struggle to gain further increases in both our lifespan and healthspan.