Canadians are spending less time with friends!

When was the last time you had a good quality hang out with a friend? If  it’s been awhile, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re part of the majority!

A new report from Stats Canada found that we’re spending way less time with friends than we used to — and it’s working-age adults who are pulling the biggest disappearing act.

Back in 1986, nearly half of Canadians saw friends on a daily/regular basis. In 20222, that number dropped to just 19.3%.

What age group has seen the biggest decline? Working adults between 25 and 64. That’s the age group who tend to be juggling jobs, families, errands and getting kids to and from activities, etc.

And, when the plans to hangout finally DO make it out of the group chat, the time spent is shorter than it used to be.

The average hangout has shrunk from 5 hours in 1986 to just 3.8 hours in 2022.

Even teens and young adults (aged 15 to 24) — a group you’d think would be glued to their friends — saw a huge drop in day-to-day friend time, with over a 30 percentage point decline.

The report also revealed that we are feeling more “pressed for time” than at any point since the early 1990s. In 2022, nearly 1 in 4 people said they felt constantly crunched for time, up from just 15% thirty years ago.

Between work stress, digital distractions, and just trying to keep life on track, it’s no wonder friendships are taking a hit.

So, if you’re feeling like it’s been awhile since you saw your friends, maybe it’s time to call a friend or send a text and actually make some plans!