I thoroughly enjoyed this wide-ranging conversation with Dan Cox, the Founder and Director of the Survey Center on American Life at the American Enterprise Institute.

Dan has done some of the most impressive work around on the issues affecting Americans in their everyday lives, studying topics like social connection, dating, gender, community, parenting, and generational changes. He’s also a delight to talk to, with a thoughtful perspective on many of life’s important questions.

Among the questions we tackle in this conversation:

* Why are close friendships getting harder to find in America?

* What changed in the institutions that used to bring people together?

* How is growing up online shaping Gen Z’s views on life and community?

* Why do we talk about marriage more as personal fulfillment than commitment now?

* How are online spaces and apps influencing the way we handle relationships?

* What would it take to rebuild a stronger culture of “togetherness”?

You can also find this episode on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Links Mentioned

* Disconnected: The Growing Class Divide in American Civic Life

* SNL skit: Man Park

* American Storylines Newsletter

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebeaconproject.substack.com