[iamstupidsimple]

I think it's a generational thing.

As a young person, work is basically the default way to meet people after moving to a large city. I have real friends outside work now but they all started as colleagues or friends of colleagues. I'd also prefer to work with people I can trust over anonymous colleagues any day.

I'm not saying it's the only way (it's probably not good or healthy) but this sentiment is super common among my peers. When we're older I suspect that will change.