If sociological research shows that individuals living in urban areas tend to report lower levels of community engagement compared to those in rural areas, what could be a potential underlying cause for this observation?

One potential underlying cause for the observation that people in urban areas report lower levels of community engagement compared to those in rural areas could be the differences in social connections and interactions. In rural areas, communities are often smaller and people tend to know their neighbors better, which can lead to stronger relationships and more participation in community activities. In contrast, urban areas are typically more crowded and diverse, making it harder for individuals to form close ties with others. For example, a person living in a large city might interact with many people daily but may not develop deep friendships or a sense of belonging, leading to less engagement in community events. This difference in social dynamics can significantly impact how involved individuals feel in their communities.