Derek Thompson and Elizabeth Weil: The Trend Toward Solitude

2025-01-09

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comAmericans have been spending more time alone—and less time doing face-to-face socializing—than we have for at least 60 years. And our alone time is impacting the economy, our politics, and our personalities, particularly among young people. Meanwhile, the fires in Los Angeles are a heartbreaking reminder that the California landscape was meant to burn—and it will keep happening whether we like it or not. Plus, the mystery around the sister of Sam Altman.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com

Americans have been spending more time alone—and less time doing face-to-face socializing—than we have for at least 60 years. And our alone time is impacting the economy, our politics, and our personalities, particularly among young people. Meanwhile, the fires in Los Angeles are a heartbreaking reminder that the California landscape was meant to burn—and it will keep happening whether we like it or not. Plus, the mystery around the sister of Sam Altman.

Derek Thompson and Liz Weil join Tim Miller.

show notes

* Derek's piece, "The Anti-Social Century"

* Derek's forthcoming book with Ezra Klein, "Abundance"

* Arlie Russell Hochschild's book, "Strangers in Their Own Land," referenced by Derek

* Hochschild's "Stolen Pride: Loss, Shame, and the Rise of the Right"

* "Palaces for the People" book Derek mentioned

* Liz's ProPublica piece on megafires

* Liz's piece, "This Isn't the California I Married"

* Liz's reporting on Sam Altman's sister, Annie

As always: Watch, listen, and leave a comment. Ad-free editions of The Bulwark Podcast are available exclusively for Bulwark+ members.

Don’t care for video? Use the controls on the left-hand side of the player to toggle to audio. Add the show to your player of choice, here.