I wonder what is the effect of the widespread loneliness on the willingness and ability to cook.
If you are two or a family, cooking for the others to enjoy is a pleasure. If someone lives alone, I can see why they rather eat something quick-and-dirty.
Anecdotal, but I am much more motivated to cook a nice meal when my partner is staying over. When I’m alone I find it easy to slip into grabbing fast food on the drive home from work.
I love to cook, and cook for both me and my partner probably 5 nights of 7, but the moment she leaves for a night or a weekend it's takeout or ramen. Anecdotally, most of my couple friends have a similar dynamic.
If you are two or a family, cooking for the others to enjoy is a pleasure. If someone lives alone, I can see why they rather eat something quick-and-dirty.