Robert Putnam wrote an influential essay called “Bowling Alone” about the weakening social institutions in American society, and the accompanying rise in loneliness. It was published in 1995 and eventually adapted into a full length book published in 2000.

It’s not new. But the trend lines that could be seen in the 90’s have only gotten worse, as we’ve lost or weakened many of the social institutions that used to keep us grounded in our communities.