Australians are living closer together than ever, but new research suggests many are feeling more disconnected from the people around them.
More than half of Australians experience some form of social disconnection, while almost one in six experience severe loneliness, according to recent research from Ending Loneliness Together.
And it’s not just one age group or one part of the country feeling it.
Making Friends Is Getting Harder
From regional Victoria to Brisbane and Perth, Australians are finding new ways to build connections.
In regional Victoria, people who moved to new towns have turned to book clubs, craft workshops, community gardens and sporting groups to meet people and create their own social circles.
In Newcastle, a weekly cold water swimming group has become an unlikely way for young people to meet strangers, grab a coffee and make new friends. The group has even expanded to Sydney and the Gold Coast.
Meanwhile, international students in Brisbane have said public spaces like Victoria Park were important for meeting people and feeling connected after moving to Australia.
Sometimes You Just Need A Reason To Say Hello
Psychotherapist Sarah Buckle says small, regular interactions can help people build relationships without the pressure of immediately trying to “make friends”.
That could mean joining a local club, walking your dog in the same place, attending an event or simply becoming a familiar face at your local café.
A new social discovery platform called Zeeën is also trying to make those first connections easier by helping people discover others nearby with shared interests.
Because sometimes making a new friend doesn’t require a huge life change.
It might just start with saying hello.
