I am tempted to scoff, "OK, boomer," but I really don't know whether impressions like this match real trends or not.

I attend two different game nights almost every week, and regularly visit a couple other friends. This is despite often feeling like I've had too much "peopling" as a librarian due to my own introverted nature. Sometimes I need some quiet time for an hour or so after work to recharge my social energy battery before visiting even small group activities. But I know it has done wonders for my mental health. One of the worst parts of early COVID concerns was the lockdown and lack of social interaction. Despite my tolerance - or even preference - for social activity, there was a burden of involuntary confinement and uncertainty.

But I also agree that while the internet is great for contact, it gets in the way of real connection. I like the folks I've met on HIVE, but it's not the same as sitting around the table swapping stories or playing games.