A child psychologist thinks social media use is hindering young men from making friends. 

Data from Outward Bound shows one in four young men tell them they have no close friends. 

Psychologist Sara Chatwin says that's abnormal against historic behavioural patterns.

But she says her profession's seeing the trend firsthand and social media is making the young passive and isolated. 

"It means that they're just sitting there and looking at stuff and roaming around and allowing algorithms to lead them down rabbit holes. They're not actively seeking out friendships."

LISTEN ABOVE

A child psychologist thinks social media use is hindering young men from making friends.&nbsp;
Data from Outward Bound shows one in four young men tell them they have no close friends.&nbsp;
Psychologist Sara Chatwin says that's abnormal against historic behavioural patterns.
But she says her profession's seeing the trend firsthand and social media is making the young passive and isolated.&nbsp;
"It means that they're just sitting there and looking at stuff and roaming around and allowing algorithms to lead them down rabbit holes. They're not actively seeking out friendships."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Sara Chatwin: psychologist on the new research revealing young men are having a harder time making connections

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/a0035ad8-9283-445e-aaad-b3df003e0361/transcript