BERKELEY, Calif. – Have you been left on read simultaneously by six of your closest college friends? Recent studies show it might not just be your lame jokes that causes a friend group to fall apart. The UC Berkeley Psychology and Cognitive Science Lab uses cutting-edge research techniques to produce an annual report to quantify why your group chat is dead. 2025’s surprising number one? “Living on Northside”
“People move to Northside for the promise of a quiet residential neighborhood and flawless calves,” explains UC Berkeley Psychology Professor Winnifred Collins. “Instead, people end up with a dreadful commute home, crushing social isolation, and the lamest bus numbers in the AC Transit System. Seriously, who has ever taken the 67?”
According to the study, “Living on Northside” experienced a 14% increase from 2023, now out ranking previous chart toppers such as “Starting a Weird Situationship” and “Ending a Weird Situationship”. However, Professor Collins urges it’s not all doom and gloom. In her exclusive interview, she shared a few simple tricks to reignite the flames of a flickering friendship.
“The number one proactive measure to strengthen interpersonal relationships is sending a cheeky TikTok or Instagram Reel,” emphasizes Collins. “You don’t even need to watch it, chances are the recipient won’t either. The near guaranteed ‘heart’ reaction is the perfect segue to ask to get coffee and catch up. A well timed birthday message is also nearly as effective.”
To test the validity of Professor Collins’s claims, Free Peach editor and avid Northsider Inita Buddy put into practice the preventative techniques highlighted above. Following sending a reel about a recipe for a “One Pot Pasta Bake”, she received a stream of responses from her best friends in all caps with conversation flowing smoothly. Her report has been delayed due to an impromptu Trader Joe’s run and a dinner party to plan for.