Americans are increasingly eating alone, with about a quarter reporting they ate all their meals solo in 2023, a 53% increase since 2003. This trend is linked to rising loneliness and social isolation, which can fuel political polarization. According to the report, declining happiness and trust in the US has contributed to “anti-system” victories, such as President Trump’s election. Finland tops the rankings for the eighth year, citing factors like trust among citizens and a strong educational system. Experts attribute American unhappiness to increased social isolation, particularly among young people who spend more time on their phones. Despite challenges, Finnish ambassadors remain optimistic, attributing happiness to contentment rather than external factors.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/20/us/americans-solo-dining-happiness.html