Newsletters

Real news. Real stories. Real voices.

Newsletters

Donate

Play Live Radio

Next Up:

0:00

0:00 0:00

Available On Air Stations

Supported by

We are experiencing technical difficulties with our transponder in Elko, NV. Our engineers are currently working on the issue. For uninterrupted listening, tune in via the live stream on knpr.org or listen on the NPR App.

Can an app fix the 'friendship recession'?

NPR | By Lesley McClurg

Published July 25, 2026 at 4:43 AM PDT

Facebook
Twitter
Bluesky
LinkedIn
Email

Amidst what some researchers call a "friendship recession," apps and services have been proliferating to connect people. We hear from people who have used them reflect on what about them has worked or hasn't.

Can an app fix the 'friendship recession'?

Become a supporter

Support Local Journalism

Can an app fix the 'friendship recession'?

The Midweek Roundup

The Summer Issue

Support Local Journalism