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In a city that never hits pause, here’s some real talk: how are your friendships holding up? According to a new study by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), 89% of Singaporeans have at least one close friend they can lean on (family and romantic partners don’t count). And the other findings give us plenty more to chew on.
Despite living in what feels like an era of endless online notifications, the study shows that most locals still forge close friendships in person, with schools and workplaces remaining the OG friendship factories. Online friendships are a thing for about a quarter of us, but results show that most still see digital connections as secondary.
Let’s dive deeper. In this day and age, AI is sneaking into every corner of our lives, and never did we think we’d be asking this – but can chatbots replace real human friendships? A majority of Singaporeans say no. Only one in ten turn to AI for companionship, with most insisting that no robot – however articulate – can stand in for a real, flesh‑and‑blood friend.
So, what factors affect the ability to form solid friendships? Apparently, the younger you are, the easier it is to make friends. The survey also shows that younger Singaporeans are more likely to have online buddies – over 43% of youths aged 21 to 35 reported having online friends, compared with just 20% of those aged 50 and older. Apart from that, it also states that being well-informed also correlates with having a wider social circle.
And here’s where it gets interesting: it turns out the more diverse your friend circle, the more fulfilling life gets. Singaporeans with friends from different ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds report feeling more connected in social settings. Diversity in friendships also boosts social cohesion: people are more likely to trust their neighbours and fellow Singaporeans. On top of that, those with broader social networks are more civically active – donating money or food, volunteering time, or even organising community events.
So, we guess the takeaway is clear: Singaporeans may text, swipe, and dabble in emojis, but we still crave the awkward, messy, joyfully human chaos of actual face-to-face connections. And honestly? We think that no matter your age, it’s never too late to make a friend or two. Sometimes, all it takes is just getting out there. Here’s a start: take your friends out this weekend. Need ideas? From a cosy brunch date to things to do around the city, we’ve got you sorted.
Check out the full report here.
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