Many popular sitcoms center around what’s known as a “third place.” For example, Central Perk in Friends, or The Bull and Finch Pub from Cheers.

Like the theme song for “Cheers” goes, it’s somewhere where everybody knows your name. Where you can socialize in a place other than your home or work and build community.

But with the whole world accessible on your smartphone, it’s hard to resist the call of the couch. It’s hurting us more than we think.

Richard Kyte is a professor of ethics at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis., and researched third places extensively for his upcoming book, “Finding Your Third Place.” He joined Minnesota Now to talk about it.