243. being lonely in your 20s is fixable (featuring dr. jeffrey hall)

21.12.2025 · 47 Min.

Shownotes

is it possible to be lonely even if you’re more social than ever?! today’s guest is dr. jeffrey hall— the department chair and professor of communication studies at the university of kansas, where he researches how to elevate positive online experiences through meaningful social interaction and relationships. his book relating through technology was featured in the wall street journal, the new york times, the washington post, and cnn.

in this episode, we discuss why our generation can feel so lonely– especially after graduating college– and how we can actually start to improve our connections. by the end of this episode, you’ll know how to use psychology to be more connected than ever, even through the chaos of your 20s.

we talk about:

• if gen z really is the loneliest generation

• why your 20s can feel so lonely (even if you have lots of friends!)

• how social media makes us feel more (and less!) connected to our friends

• maintaining long distance relationships + friendships in your 20s

• social media algorithms + how they affect our relationships

• using social media to make your relationships better

• negative stereotypes about gen z in friendships + relationships

• the truth behind the male loneliness epidemic

• what to do if your friend never initiates plans

• advice for post-grads looking to make more friends

• + so much more!