In 1975, about half of American adults reported entertaining friends or family at home at least once a month. By 2026, that figure had fallen to just 12 percent, according to a Data For Progress survey that replicated the DDB Needham Life Style surveys cited by sociologist Robert Putnam, representing a 70 percent decline in home hosting over fifty years.
Thompson identifies several interlocking reasons for the trend. First, the rise of dual-earner households means both partners often work full-time, leaving little leisure time to coordinate elaborate gatherings. Second, intensive parenting has increased the time mothers and fathers spend with children, converting evenings once spent with adult friends into child‑focused activities. Third, friendship networks have shrunk, especially among Americans without a college degree and those who are unmarried, reducing the pool of potential guests. Finally, technological advances have made solitary leisure more attractive, with streaming, short‑form video, and podcasts allowing people to be entertained without leaving the couch.
While the data document a clear decline, the article leaves open questions about causality and consequence. It does not establish whether shrinking social networks cause less hosting or whether reduced hosting further weakens those networks. Additionally, Thompson does not assess the broader impact of this shift on community engagement, mental health, or civic life, noting only that modern abundance has made being alone easier and more enjoyable than coordinating with others. The extent to which this trend reflects a lasting societal transformation versus a reversible change in preferences remains uncertain.