At no time in history have people been more connected than they are today. Smartphones and social networks make it easier to meet new individuals and remain in contact with the people we know. However, from 1985 to 2004 (the last time the data were collected) more people report having no close connections. In 1985, ten percent of all Americans reported having no one to talk about a serious problem. By 2004, one out of four Americans could not name a single person who they could turn to for support. The research report can be found here.
Given that our close relationships are the single biggest contributing factor to our overall sense of well being, it should come as little surprise that there is a market for people who desire real intimacy with another human being.
But, is anonymous snuggling the solution?
