I also think that both capitalism (or better, consumerism) and government (with its need for control) actively push us to isolate yourselves. A divided society

I also think that both capitalism (or better, consumerism) and government (with its need for control) actively push us to isolate yourselves. A divided society is easier to sell to and to control. So, while we need to actively find and nurture new friendships (and we mostly don't) these forces actively want to keep us separate. I know it sounds like a conspiracy theory, but it's pretty obvious to me.