[ajay-b]

I think it is also cultural. Some cultures are more socially engaged than others, particularly through religion, and holidays.

Would the individualism of American culture contribute to loneliness?

[nine_zeros]

> Would the individualism of American culture contribute to loneliness?

It does. People spend too much time on self-help and individual pursuits to actually hang around and waste time.

Wasting time in a "Time is money" society is contradictory.