Beyond the Board: Building Connection in a Disconnected World
- Holly Hartman
- May 12
- 2 min read
Let’s face it: in a world full of “likes,” we’re more disconnected than ever.
We’ve got Wi-Fi but no why. We scroll past real people to double-tap strangers’ breakfast. And let’s not even talk about how awkward small talk has become since 2020…
But here’s the good news: connection doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it just starts with a board game and a table full of humans.
(Yes, actual humans. No filters required.)
Loneliness is Real—But So is Connection
According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 report, 1 in 2 adults say they’re experiencing measurable loneliness. That’s not just a bummer—it’s a public health crisis. Chronic loneliness is linked to everything from anxiety and depression to heart disease and even dementia.
But here’s the plot twist: researchers have found that even one weekly social gathering can significantly reduce feelings of isolation.
Enter: board games—aka, social glue in a cardboard box.
Why Board Games Are the Ultimate Icebreakers
Let’s be honest—making friends as an adult is weird. You can’t just walk up to someone in the coffee aisle and ask, “Wanna be besties?”
That’s how you end up on Reddit.
Board games give us a low-pressure, high-fun way to engage:
Everyone has a shared focus (the game)
Small talk becomes actual talk
Laughter happens without effort
And awkward silences? Filled with card shuffling and dice rolls
In fact, a 2022 study from Texas A&M found that people involved in tabletop gaming communities experienced higher levels of social trust and lower levels of loneliness—especially in younger adults facing social anxiety or depression.
Stories From the Table
At Good Tabletop Gaming, we’ve seen strangers turn into friends over Azul, parents reconnect with their kids over Ticket to Ride, and one shy teen become the most beloved game night MVP (you know who you are).
It’s not about who wins. It’s about the togetherness.
Screens Off, Hearts On
Board games are analog joy in a digital world. No blue light. No algorithms. Just real people, real laughter, and probably a snack table.
So if you’re feeling a little disconnected lately (hi, it’s all of us), consider this your official invite to step away from the scroll and back into community.
✅ TL;DR – The Highlights
Loneliness is real—but board games fight back
Connection thrives when we play together
No experience needed—just show up and roll with it
GTG events = your new favorite weekly ritual
Come Sit With Us
Whether you’re brand new to board games or you’ve got a shelf of strategy titles alphabetized at home, we’ve got a seat for you. And no, you don’t have to make awkward small talk. The game will do that for you.
Join us at our next game night.
Because connection shouldn’t be rare—and joy should be shared.
Join our next monthly event. www.goodtabletopgaming.com/gtgevents
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