Can an app fix the 'friendship recession'?

NPR | By Lesley McClurg

Published July 25, 2026 at 6:43 AM CDT

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.

Lesley McClurg

Related Content

Ozarks at Large Stories

Recovery Demystified offers a secular path out of addiction

Daniel Caruth

Early Brunner, founder of Recovery Demystified and a 2026 NWA Weaver Award recipient, talks with Daniel Caruth about building a secular, inclusive recovery program in Fayetteville.
Ozarks at Large Stories

NICA director talks personal, community development through biking

Jack Travis

NICA Arkansas League Director Terry Coddington discusses how youth mountain biking is growing across the state, from new community trails to this year's race season.
Ozarks at Large Stories

Petition snag, ArcBest cuts, Mahony remembered

Kyle Kellams, Michael Tilley

Michael Tilley of Talk Business and Politics covers the Fort Smith government petition, ArcBest job cuts, Fort Kids Museum funding, and the death of community leader Emon Mahony.