The Millennial Crisis: 22% Have No Friends

The Touch-Screen Age

Today we are all living in the “Touch-Screen Age.” This includes baby boomers as well as millennial’s, for although many think of the younger generation as being the most tech savvy, virtually no one has been left out. Members of every age group now use smartphones, social media, iPads, and computers. These devices are necessary parts of our lives, and although they make many things easier or more useful, when they are overused, they can negatively impact interaction and, more importantly, our emotional state. 

Studies have repeatedly shown that the happiest people are the ones with the most meaningful relationships. People with strong relationships have a greater potential for more professional success, are less impacted by corporate politics, laugh more, and experience less depression. Research has shown that social engagement and meaningful relationships are associated with living a longer life and improving your overall health. The flip side is also true: Julianne Holt-Lunstad, the lead author of a study that reviewed and analyzed research in this area, noted, “A lack of social relationships was equivalent to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.” 

22 Percent Of Millennials Say They Have “No Friends”

As a result of living in the Touch-Screen Age we have significantly fewer face-to-face interactions, and when we lack those interactions, our people skills begin to erode or are never developed. 

A recent VOX article shared startling facts about the millennial generation:

• 30% of millennials say they feel lonely 
• 22% of millennials said they had zero friends
• 30% said they have “no best friends” 

“Research shows that loneliness tends to increase as we get older,” says Brian Resnick, Behavioral Science Expert. “What will happen to millennials, who are already reporting high levels of loneliness, when they reach old age?”

 

“We have a whole culture that is judging the youth that they parented.”

– Gary Vaynerchuk

The Solution

It is on us, business leaders, to stop complaining, address and fix it. For anyone and any business to thrive in the future, they will have to master the art of relationship building. This means businesses have to teach Relationship Building 101 to their existing and future generation of employees. As well as reinvent their business model to marry digital and human experiences in the best way possible.

*Related – Pre Order John’s newest book The Relationship Economy, Building Stronger Customer Connections In The Digital Age (October 2019).

Do Better Work

Most people want to do great work, but they simply don’t know how. The result? Uninspired effort, unremarkable output, and unhealthy communication. We owe our teammates—and ourselves—something better. When we do better work, we live better lives. Share before you’re ready. Get more agreements. Have difficult conversations. These are a few of the practical but profound ideas Lessonly’s CEO Max Yoder shares in Do Better Work: Finding clarity, camaraderie, and progress in work and life. 

Max Yoder Presenting At The Customer Service Revolution

The DiJulius Group is thrilled to announce Max Yoder will be presenting at the 2019 Customer Service Revolution. Max Yoder will share 8 practical but profound ideas for transforming team culture and performance. No matter your rank or role, if you want to see more understanding, accountability, and progress on your team, Max’s stories and examples are for you. Because when we do better work—we live better lives.

*Related – Build an Insanely Loyal Customer Base

Favorite quote this week

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” 

– William Shakespeare