“We have two existential threats—climate change and the decline of social connection. Without social connection we won’t have the will to address climate change .”

Aaron Hurst, US Chamber of Connection

The Connection Crisis

44 million American adults are experiencing significant loneliness and 26 million report having no friends. The United States ranks last among 24 countries, coming in last in the percent of people who feel connected to other people in their country and second to last in feeling connected to their community.

Social trust and connection drive economic growth, effective governance, social and political inclusion, civic engagement, crime and corruption rates, and healthy and happy people and communities.

Loneliness Epidemic

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a public health advisory naming loneliness and isolation an epidemic and calling on the nation to come together to address it. Loneliness is as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Having strong and secure connections can increase someone’s life expectancy by 50%.

Loneliness contributes an estimated $466 per person to our annual healthcare costs and costs employers $4,200 per employee due to drops in productivity.

Connection Economy

Progress and business both move at the speed of trust. Human connection, trust, and community resilience are foundational to economic health. Social bonds are a core driver of individual well-being, business success, and community vitality. Strengthening social ties has transformative potential—connected communities thrive, both economically and socially.

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Declining Civic Life

Increased polarization is eroding social trust. Only 32% of people trust other people in this country. This is making it harder to build and sustain social connections which further polarizes our communities. It is a downward spiral. Loss of trust results in hundreds of billions of dollars through reduced investment and productivity and the associated political polarization costs the American economy $250 billion, or $757 per person.

We are also seeing this drive alarming declines in generosity and civic engagement. Volunteerism is at a three-decade low and philanthropic giving is declining. This is putting our social sector and arts communities at risk right when we need them most to address growing inequality and access.

Nation of Migrants

When we move to another county or state, which about 12 million Americans do every year, it disrupts our social support systems. The average American moves over 12 times in their life. Over the next generation, migration is likely to increase significantly due to climate change, economic and labor migration, and aging populations.

Research reports that moving is the optimal time to support people as they are more likely to adopt new behaviors during life changes. With a "fresh starts" people are more motivated to pursue positive changes.

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