A lot of casual friends, or only a few you’re really close with? New research questions that trade-off

Friendships are integral to human health and well being, yet researchers know very little about how people make friends. A new study investigated what people prioritize for new friendships.

By: Jessica D. Ayers, Boise State University and Diego Guevara Beltran, University of Arizona, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: August 7, 2026

Words: 913

Last Updated: 1 week, 4 days ago

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By Jessica D. Ayers, Boise State University and Diego Guevara Beltran, University of Arizona

Is there a natural trade-off between quantity and quality when it comes to the friends in your circle?

Between family, work, chores and other responsibilities, people often feel left with very little time to connect with friends – let alone to make new ones. With time as a limited resource, people often think they must choose between having a few emotionally …

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