>"bowling alone"

I don't understand why this phrase itself has such a negative connotation. I bowl alone frequently (three times a week after work), often as a form of personal practice, so I can concentrate on getting better. Doing so has never meant that it was difficult to join a league or find people to socialize with - often by being at the alley I was able to get updates about leagues and clubs starting and I would run into and chat with people (individuals and groups) at the bar or in the lounge.

It was a great way to get outside of my CS/STEM bubble in college.