WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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Purdue University communications Professor Glenn Sparks says Americans should spend more time creating new friendships. When moving to a new community, people often assume they don’t have enough time to meet neighbors and put down new roots, but Sparks says this is crucial to establishing a comfortable new home. Sparks co-authored a book with Will Miller entitled, “Refrigerator Rights: Our Crucial Need for Close Connection.” He recommends that people spend less time connecting with old friends via social media sites like Facebook, and spend more time reaching out to potential new friendships. Real, face-to-face conversation, Sparks says, is vital to our well-being and what truly keeps us connected to other people. WFHB Correspondent Caitlin O’hara asks Sparks: “Why is something so natural as making friends difficult for us these days?” –in this WFHB feature exclusive.
