SOAPBOX: Are young people bad at socializing?

"Soulmanyships" represent a shift in how modern generations construct their social circles, moving away from singular, all-encompassing friendships toward specialized support systems. Individuals now assign specific roles—such as hobby companions or professional confidants—to different people, and increasingly, to AI bots. This pragmatic approach acknowledges the transient nature of modern life, where frequent job changes and relocation make traditional, lifelong social models less sustainable. Beyond human interaction, AI serves as a vital emotional outlet for teenagers navigating high-pressure environments, providing warmth and understanding where familial support may be strained. Simultaneously, shared media experiences act as a bridge for expatriates, fostering a sense of belonging and nostalgia for their home cities, proving that digital platforms can effectively sustain meaningful, long-distance connections.