As a European who lived in various parts of the States for a year and a half, one thing I noticed (and missed) was the concept of " the Pub". This venue for social gathering just didn't seem to exist. In fact, people who went to bars were considered either drunks, loose women, troublemakers or just disillusioned tired business men. The Pub not only exists, and thrives, in the villages in the UK, but also in London and all over Europe, the local cafè or bar is the meeting place of friends and co-workers, the centre of gossip. Of course alcohol is drunk but it's in a social setting. I can't imagine sitting at home alone, boozing and staring at a screen. Maybe that's the one of the causes of so much loneliness in the States.