I'm not sure where "fears" comes from. My assertation was that we (collectively) become less social as we age. We value social interactions less.

I can attest that is true for me. It's not about fear. It's that I don't care to socialize as much as I did when I was younger.

> we

I think we're talking past each other here. You and the article say "we", but it sounds more like "you" and everyone else that has not found new reasons to socialize.

I do tangentially agree there may be an answer why the old reasons aren't good enough anymore, but that doesn't mean there isn't as much value.

If anything there's more value (to me) now that I have a better grip on why I socialize as an adult. It became more nuanced with my lifestyle changes. I stopped needing friends and started wanting them. I keep the ones I have for their perspectives on life. I have far less in common with my adult friends than I ever did when I was younger. I deliberately select for that. It helps me find balance.