How College Students Make, Keep, and Lose Friends with Janice McCabe

College students face a paradox where they are surrounded by peers yet experience peak levels of loneliness. Dr. Janice McCabe, an Associate Professor of Sociology, identifies three distinct friendship network types that shape these social experiences: "tight-knitters," who maintain dense, interconnected groups; "compartmentalizers," who manage separate social and academic circles; and "samplers," who rely on one-on-one connections. Each structure offers unique benefits and challenges regarding social support and academic success. To mitigate isolation, educators can implement structural interventions in the classroom, such as assigning collaborative tasks that encourage interaction beyond pre-existing social groups. By recognizing that social and academic lives are deeply intertwined, faculty can foster environments that support student well-being and belonging, moving beyond the individualistic view of loneliness toward a more systemic understanding of campus social dynamics.