Freshmen, friends, and the fear of fitting in

Freshmen, friends, and the fear of fitting in

September 7, 2026 · 20 min

About this episode

The episode explores the changing dynamics of friendship among a new generation of college students facing social anxiety and the desire for connection.

A new generation just arrived on campus, and they are rewriting the rules of friendship. They scroll with confidence but clam up in person. They crave connection, yet keep everyone at arm's length. From social anxiety as an identity to the rise of buddy culture, something is changing beneath the surface. What happens when the need to belong collides with the urge to retreat? On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

People in this episode

Hosts: Steve, Yushan, Yushun

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