UPDATE: A startling new report reveals that the traditional Australian value of mateship is rapidly declining, with 12% of Australians reporting they have no close friends. The Real Relationships Report 2025, commissioned by Real Insurance and MYMAVINS, underscores a worrying trend in social connections across the nation.
The report, released just this week, highlights that while 28% of participants maintain three to four close friends, a significant 25% claim to have only one or two. Among younger generations, Gen Z and Gen Y average four close friends, but this number drops to just over three for Gen X, and rises to five for Baby Boomers.
In a troubling twist, friendship etiquette appears to be deteriorating, with over half of 54% of Gen Z respondents admitting to being ghosted by friends—the highest rate across all generations. This trend raises urgent questions about how digital communication impacts real-life relationships.
The report also reveals that 50% of Australians feel that forming new friendships or dating has become increasingly difficult due to rising living costs and the pressures of digital culture. Women feel this strain more acutely, with 57% stating that dating has become significantly harder, compared to 45% of men.
Despite financial challenges, Australians are still spending considerably on dating, averaging $198.50 monthly. Men report a higher expenditure of $222.30, while women spend around $174.10.
A concerning finding shows that 37% of Gen Z respondents sometimes feel more connected to online personalities than to people they interact with in real life. Almost one in three report feeling socially isolated, and nearly three in four experience “digital fatigue” from the relentless demands of online engagement.
The report also highlights a decline in community spirit: 72% of respondents believe interest in neighbors has waned, while 62% have lived next to someone for over six months without ever meeting them.
These findings create an urgent call for action, emphasizing the need for support for those feeling isolated. Individuals in distress can reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 or beyondblue at 1300 224 636.
As Australia grapples with these alarming statistics, the implications for mental health and social cohesion are profound. What happens next? The data urges a national conversation about how to foster genuine connections in an increasingly digital world.
Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this developing situation.
