A growing number of young adults are engaging in what is being called 'community-maxxing', a trend focused on fostering in-person connections and community involvement. This movement sees Gen Z participating in activities such as book groups, crafting circles, hiking, and run clubs, often referred to as "grandma hobbies".
Beyond shared interests, community-maxxing also encompasses being a good neighbour and feeling connected to one's local area. This approach aims to address loneliness and digitally-enabled isolation, which are reported as significant challenges for this generation.
According to Office for National Statistics research from last November, 33% of 16- to 29-year-olds in the UK reported feeling lonely "often, always or some of the time". In 2023, one in 10 US young adults reportedly did not spend any time interacting face-to-face with another person on an average day.
Therapists have long recognised the importance of repeated, quality social interaction for developing feelings of grounding and support. Community-maxxing is seen as a way to fulfil this fundamental human need for connection.