Topic overview
In brief
- A 2025 YouGov survey found that 38% of U.S. adults are estranged from at least one family member.
- Factors contributing to this trend include political differences, social media influence, and communication breakdowns.
- The rise in family estrangement highlights the need for better communication and understanding within families.
Summary
In recent years, family estrangement has become increasingly prevalent in the United States, with a 2025 YouGov survey revealing that 38% of U.S. adults are cut off from at least one family member, including parents, siblings, children, or grandparents. This growing trend has been attributed to several factors, including political and value differences, the influence of social media, and evolving communication styles. A study of over 2,000 mother-adult child relationships indicated that differing beliefs and values are significant predictors of estrangement, suggesting that political divides may play a crucial role in family rifts.
Social media has also been identified as a contributing factor to family estrangement. Research involving nearly 9,800 teenagers found that spending more than two hours a day on social media correlates with increased odds of negative relationships with parents. Psychologist Blake argues that social media normalizes the idea of cutting off family members by exposing users to viral stories of estrangement, which can lead to a culture of mimicry where individuals seek attention by claiming victim status. This phenomenon can create a cycle where individuals feel justified in severing ties with their parents or relatives, often under the guise of protecting their mental health.