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The reason why we have fewer friends now is because we have optimized life for economic growth, not happiness. Technology is the primary thing to blame here. If

The reason why we have fewer friends now is because we have optimized life for economic growth, not happiness. Technology is the primary thing to blame here. If we didn't have technology, we would have to rely on each other more and we would not have social outlets like the internet to provide a superficial social bandage to our underlying social needs.

agumonkey 4y ago
It's also the width of the economic growth mindset. We fuel the 'have more devices and be free-er and independent' so naturally people can live on their own (misery). I may be imagining things but when you live in a small place where you have no choice but to share the load and pleasure of life (granted the group is emotionally stable), you don't suffer from that. You're a jolly bunch making your place nicer, finding and cooking food, and being goofy at night around the fire.
- Aeolun 4y ago
  > granted the group is emotionally stable No group is emotionaly stable. We just deal with all the problems that come up more, or less effectively.
  - agumonkey 4y ago
    You know what I mean, not too crazy / violent. Of course it's never absolute peace. But at the same time this is one factor that drove 'modern societies' to more and more isolation. It's tempting to not want to deal with others. But at that point it's detrimental.
seydor 4y ago
So suppose economic growth ends today. How do you optimize for friendship?
- vouaobrasil 4y ago
  It's an interesting question but it won't stop. I think the question is (for the individual), how can you organize your life and your priorities so that friendship plays a more central role in your life?
- lvass 4y ago
  You just start caring. When you dedicate your time to it, you'll find out how to deal with each person uniquely as you should do.
Kiro 4y ago
I don't want to rely on others and I would not want to live a life without technology.
- vouaobrasil 4y ago
  Sad :(. It is scary at first but very fulfilling if you find reliable people.
  - Kiro 4y ago
    Why is it sad? I'm very happy with my life.
bradlys 4y ago
Technology is not to blame. Capitalism is to blame. Ignorant to say otherwise.

agumonkey 4y ago

It's also the width of the economic growth mindset. We fuel the 'have more devices and be free-er and independent' so naturally people can live on their own (misery). I may be imagining things but when you live in a small place where you have no choice but to share the load and pleasure of life (granted the group is emotionally stable), you don't suffer from that. You're a jolly bunch making your place nicer, finding and cooking food, and being goofy at night around the fire.

Aeolun 4y ago
> granted the group is emotionally stable No group is emotionaly stable. We just deal with all the problems that come up more, or less effectively.
- agumonkey 4y ago
  You know what I mean, not too crazy / violent. Of course it's never absolute peace. But at the same time this is one factor that drove 'modern societies' to more and more isolation. It's tempting to not want to deal with others. But at that point it's detrimental.

seydor 4y ago

So suppose economic growth ends today. How do you optimize for friendship?

vouaobrasil 4y ago
It's an interesting question but it won't stop. I think the question is (for the individual), how can you organize your life and your priorities so that friendship plays a more central role in your life?
lvass 4y ago
You just start caring. When you dedicate your time to it, you'll find out how to deal with each person uniquely as you should do.

Kiro 4y ago

I don't want to rely on others and I would not want to live a life without technology.

vouaobrasil 4y ago
Sad :(. It is scary at first but very fulfilling if you find reliable people.
- Kiro 4y ago
  Why is it sad? I'm very happy with my life.

bradlys 4y ago

Technology is not to blame. Capitalism is to blame. Ignorant to say otherwise.