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>>gmays+(OP)
My take is that with the rise of social media and online lives, people have things to fill their time with that are a placebo for real relationships. They work, get home and then doom scroll or play games for 4 hours and go to bed. This eats into the time people used to spend socializing and meeting people in real life. The reduction in religion further eats into this as people would socialize at church, temple, etc. Adding to this is the incredible division between political parties and the social wars now that effectively narrow the options of a mate.

>>wonder+Gc
At least everything you mentioned was completely optional and there are tons of public places to meet people.

Outdoor malls, hobbies, gym, parties, libraries, book stores, parks, heck ask chatgpt.

F society who says you can't talk to strangers, those are losers. Say Hi, ask about jobs/hobbies, if they arent interested, you can tell from body language. Tell them it was nice talking to them and leave. They won't remember how you cold-opened, heck in 3 days they won't remember you at all.