The lack of third places makes us feel depressed

In sociology, a tiers-lieu refers to a social environment that differs from home and work, considered as the first and second places. Third places refer to spaces intended for social and community life where individuals can meet, gather, and exchange informally. These can include cafes, bars, coworking spaces, parks, etc. The theory originates from the American urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg, who conceptualized it in 1989 in his work The Great Good Place. These spaces are considered essential in democracies where human interaction is crucial for the proliferation of new ideas, perspectives, and, above all, to create and maintain meaningful social connections. These last few months, many internet users explain that the lack of these third places could have a direct causal link with our deteriorating mental health. Indeed, in a post-COVID context, loneliness has become a glaring issue in our society. Put simply, the absence of meeting spaces drastically reduces the possibilities of creating new social ties. And as the world has harshly learned during the pandemic, human interaction is paramount for maintaining our mental health.

The accessibility of the place, both physically and financially, is an essential factor in the development of third places. If there is a coworking space near you but it costs €700 per month to access, only a tiny portion of the population will be able to afford it. When we reflect on it: does our city have accessible third places? The lack of affordable third places would push us to spend more time on social networks because they offer the illusion of a third place. They are free, accessible, and facilitate communication with our social circle and even offer the possibility of creating new connections. Unconsciously, we fill the absence of real-life interactions with social networks. However, studies such as the one published by Scientific Reports in 2023 reveal that in-person interaction positively impacts our well-being, whereas virtual interaction does not. In other words, virtual exchanges cannot replace face-to-face interactions and the benefits that come with them. Human beings are social animals and desperately need physical encounters to be happy.

Furthermore, with the rise of remote work, home and the office, i.e., the first and second places, blur together and make it difficult to separate them. The third place would allow for the distinction between the two and provide a real relaxation space where we are not subjected to the stress of work or household chores. The role of third places has never been more important. In recent years, the French government has tackled the issue and decided to invest in the development of third places. According to the organization France Tiers-Lieux, between 2018 and 2023, the number of third places in France doubled, reaching 3,500 spaces. The government continues its commitment, and a new wave of social space deployment is planned for the next two years. It is hoped that these measures will contribute to social well-being for everyone, offering accessible, sustainable, and inclusive spaces.