This is a play on a theory of Social Capital from political scientist Robert Putnam's work in his essay and book
"Bowling Alone". The short version is that he believed social Teams, Organizations, and Clubs increased something called "Social Capital", and that increases in social capital in turn increase trust, civic engagement, and societal ties. He used the example of Bowling Alleys, showing that while the number of Americans bowling is going up, bowling leagues are declining. This caused reduced economic output for Bowling Alleys as Leagues and Organized groups create more value and consume more from the Bowling Alley (Beer, Pizza, Arcades) than going alone.