Do people actually want more “community” or is it more of a revealed preference thing?

A common talking point from both the left and the right is that late stage capitalism, wokeness, or whatever has destroyed our communities and now everyone is isolated, lonely and depressed.

And maybe there is some truth to that, but I don't think it's that linear.

There are people who feel lonely and would like to have more of a community around them, but for whatever reason they can't.

But I also think there are a lot of people who have actively chosen to retreat from community and wouldn't actually like it that much if they got it back.

Because communities weren't just people being there for you. They were also noisy families and annoying neighbors. You had to interact with people you didn't like. You could get help when you needed it, but you were also expected to help other people.

I'm not sure most people would actually accept that deal if you offered it to them today.

I feel like a lot of people are perfectly happy with having less community because the alternative is also having to go out and do things you don't want to do.

Maybe people don't actually want “community” as much as they want the benefits of community without all the annoying parts that come with it.