For older generations, the workplace was the primary hub for social connection. But for Gen Z, many of whom entered the workforce during the pandemic, remote and hybrid working models have made traditional office friendships elusive. A new phenomenon, dubbed the “1,000-friend crisis,” highlights how young professionals are struggling to build and maintain close relationships in an era of shrinking social circles.
Nayomi Mbunga, a 24-year-old tech worker who moved to Toronto from Ireland, found herself isolated after starting her job remotely in January 2022. Despite being sociable, she felt “anti-social” and nervous about meeting new people. “During the pandemic, I was shocked with how anti-social I’d gotten,” she says. Her experience reflects a broader trend: research shows that Gen Z’s social networks have shrunk significantly since the pandemic, with many lacking the consistent shared experiences that school and work once provided.
Experts point to the pandemic as a key disruptor. Joyce Chuinkam, senior research manager at Talk Shoppe, notes that school and work no longer serve as reliable sources of “consistent shared experiences” for young adults. Miriam Kirmayer, a clinical psychologist specialising in friendship, adds that many Gen Zers entering the workforce “haven’t necessarily had the experience of being able to make friends in the typical way.” This has forced young people to get creative, turning to social media platforms like TikTok to find new connections.
Mbunga found her solution through Toronto Girl Social, a group founded by content creator Chloe Bow. After attending a movie night organised via TikTok, Mbunga says, “It was probably the best thing that I’ve done, because I’ve just met so many people now from it.” Such grassroots initiatives are becoming increasingly common as Gen Z seeks alternatives to traditional friendship-building venues.
The shift has implications for long-term well-being. Janice McCabe, an associate sociology professor at Dartmouth College, studies how early friendships boost success. Her ongoing research, which began in 2016, tracks how pandemic-era disruptions have altered friendship networks. Without the office as a default social hub, experts warn that young workers may miss out on critical support systems that help navigate job crises and personal milestones.
