How the rise of self-imposed solitude in the US, accelerated by smartphones in the 21st century, is reshaping the country’s civic and psychological identity (Derek Thompson/The Atlantic)

Derek Thompson / The Atlantic:
How the rise of self-imposed solitude in the US, accelerated by smartphones in the 21st century, is reshaping the country’s civic and psychological identity  —  Americans are now spending more time alone than ever.  It’s changing our personalities, our politics, and even our relationship to reality.