Episode Details

Flaking, or canceling plans at the last minute, is a common phenomenon in modern social life. It can be frustrating for the person who was looking forward to the event and disappointing for the person who has been flaked on. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to why people flake in social plans, there are several reasons why this behavior has become increasingly prevalent in today's society. One of the primary reasons people flake in social plans is because of the changing nature of social relationships. In the past, people tended to have more stable, long-term social connections. They would form close friendships with people in their community or workplace and would make plans weeks or even months in advance. However, in today's society, people are more likely to have a large network of acquaintances and casual friends. With the rise of social media, it's easier than ever to connect with people and build a large number of superficial relationships. While this can be beneficial in some ways, it can also lead to a lack of commitment to social plans. When people have a lot of casual connections, they may not feel as obligated to follow through on plans because they don't have as strong of a connection to the other person. Another reason people flake in social plans is because of the increasing demand on our time. Today's society is fast-paced and demanding, with many people juggling work, family, and other responsibilities. This can lead to a sense of overwhelm, which can make it difficult to commit to social plans. When people are feeling stressed and overburdened, the idea of adding another commitment to their schedule can feel overwhelming. As a result, they may be more likely to cancel plans at the last minute to relieve some of the pressure they are feeling. Another factor that contributes to flaking in social plans is the ease with which we can communicate with others. With the rise of smartphones and social media, it's easier than ever to stay connected with friends and family. However, this constant connection can also lead to a sense of detachment. When people are constantly connected to others through their phones, they may feel less of a need to follow through on in-person social plans. Instead, they may feel like they can connect with others virtually and don't need to spend as much time face-to-face. Additionally, the constant notifications and distractions from our phones can make it difficult to focus on the present moment, which can make it more challenging to commit to social plans. Another reason people flake in social plans is because of the fear of missing out (FOMO). In today's society, people are constantly bombarded with social events and activities. This can create a sense of pressure to be involved in everything that's happening. However, when people try to do too much, they may end up overcommitting and feeling overwhelmed. As a result, they may cancel plans at the last minute to focus on something else that seems more important or exciting. Another factor that contributes to flaking in social plans is social anxiety. For some people, social situations can be incredibly stressful and anxiety-inducing. This can make it difficult to commit to social plans in the first place. Even if they agree to the plans initially, their anxiety may increase as the event approaches, making it more likely that they will cancel at the last minute. Additionally, people with social anxiety may feel guilty or embarrassed about canceling plans, which can make the problem even worse. Another reason people flake in social plans is because of the lack of consequences for doing so. In today's society, it's become increasingly acceptable to cancel plans at the last minute. People may not even expect others to follow through on commitments, which can make it easier to flake without feeling guilty or embarrassed.