By Bob Hutchins and Karen Kelly
Loneliness is a growing problem that affects people of all ages, not just the elderly or socially isolated. It's become so widespread that it's now considered an epidemic, and governments around the world are taking notice. The UK has appointed a Minister of Loneliness to tackle the issue head-on. Sweden launched the "Say hello" campaign to encourage people to acknowledge and engage with their neighbors (Andersson, 2019; GOV.UK, 2018). In the US, the Surgeon General has made combating loneliness his top priority, completing the nationwide “We Are Made to Connect” college tour in 2023. But what's causing this epidemic, and why is it so important that we address it?
Average percentage of US population engaged in socializing and communication per day from 2009 - 2022
The reasons for loneliness are complex and deeply rooted in our society. One major factor is the rise of individualism. As we focus more on ourselves and our careers, our sense of community has started to break down (Putnam, 2000). People are living alone more often and moving far away from their families for work. In fact, studies show that the more education someone has, the further they tend to live from their parents. This distance makes it harder to maintain close relationships with the people who matter most to us.
Another trend contributing to loneliness is the decline of intergenerational living. In the past, it was common for multiple generations to live together under one roof. But over the last few decades, single-person households have become more and more common. According to researcher K.D.M. Snell, this shift is a significant one (Snell, 2017).
Our modern work culture is also fueling the loneliness epidemic. People are working longer hours and feeling more pressure to be productive, which leaves little time for socializing and building relationships (Pencavel, 2015). Many people move to big cities for job opportunities, leaving behind their family and friends. It can be really tough to build a new support network in an unfamiliar place. And all this loneliness is taking a toll on the economy too - a recent study found that it's costing the US around $154 billion per year due to increased absenteeism and higher turnover.
As the Gen Z and Millenials lean further into technology across their lives, dating apps have become the primary way to meet new people. Unfortunately, most users express frustration with “ghosting”, never ending text threads, and the vapid nature of swiping right, leading to an 18% decrease in marriage rates since 2009 and severe decline in real life engagement between single Americans.
While technology has often been touted as a solution to loneliness, it can actually be a double-edged sword. Sure, social media and messaging apps can help us stay connected, but they can also make us feel more isolated. Endless scrolling and superficial interactions can leave us feeling empty and craving something more substantial. As psychologist Mark Hunt and his colleagues point out, this kind of passive consumption of social media can lead our social skills to deteriorate (Hunt et al., 2018).
The impact of loneliness on our mental health is staggering. It's now considered as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and is a major risk factor for depression and anxiety. The relationship between loneliness and mental health issues often goes both ways - loneliness can worsen mental health problems, and mental health problems can make it harder to connect with others (Erzen & Çikrikci, 2018). This can create a vicious cycle that's difficult to break free from.
But the effects of loneliness go beyond just mental health - it can hurt our physical health too. Research has linked loneliness to a higher risk of heart disease, demonstrating the close connection between our emotional and physical wellbeing (Valtorta et al., 2016). Chronic loneliness can even weaken our immune systems, making us more vulnerable to getting sick (Hawkley & Capitanio, 2015). Perhaps most alarming, though, is the finding that loneliness is associated with an increased risk of early death (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015).
Loneliness can drive people to use drugs and alcohol to cope with feelings of disconnection (Ingram et al., 2020). This is an especially big concern for younger generations like Gen Z, who are already in the midst of a mental health crisis. Rates of depression and anxiety are skyrocketing among young people, and the added burden of loneliness only makes things worse (APA, 2020).
Older adults are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of loneliness on brain health. As people age, their social circles tend to get smaller and they may become less mobile. This isolation puts seniors at greater risk for cognitive decline, dementia, and other brain-related problems (Boss et al., 2015).
This data is clear on just how high the stakes are when it comes to building and scaling solutions to tackle loneliness head-on.
So what can we do about it? Fighting the loneliness epidemic will require action at both the individual and societal levels. On a personal level, we can make an effort to prioritize social connections and community involvement. Participating in neighborhood events, joining clubs, and volunteering are all great ways to meet people and build a sense of belonging and purpose (Cruwys et al., 2013). Getting involved in our communities doesn't just create opportunities to socialize - it also allows us to contribute to something bigger than ourselves.
As a society, we need to take a hard look at the role technology plays in our lives. Social media can be a useful tool, but it's important to use it thoughtfully and in moderation. We should make an effort to have more face-to-face interactions, phone calls, and tech-free time to nurture deeper connections (Dwyer et al., 2018). By being intentional about how we use technology, we can enjoy its benefits while minimizing its potential to contribute to loneliness.
Employers have a part to play in combating workplace loneliness too. Promoting work-life balance, offering flexible schedules, and organizing social events and team-building activities can all help create a more connected and supportive work environment (Anand & Vohra, 2019). Moving away from a culture of overwork and toward one that prioritizes overall wellbeing can make a big difference for employees' social and emotional health.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we must work to destigmatize loneliness and encourage open and honest conversations about it. By fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, we can make it easier for people to reach out and get support when they're struggling (Murthy, 2020). This will require all of us to work together to normalize talking about loneliness and to ensure that resources and support are readily available to those who need them.
The loneliness epidemic is a serious and complex public health issue that requires our immediate attention and action. It's time for us to come together - as individuals, as communities, and as a society - and make human connection a top priority. Only then can we begin to heal the deep wounds of loneliness and build a world where everyone feels valued, supported, and connected. Even in the face of challenges and adversity, we have the power to create a more connected and compassionate society.
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Purposely Social is a mission-driven organization dedicated to enabling deeper relationships in the real world. By taking the work and anxiety out of social planning, Purposely Social is empowering people to connect more meaningfully and combat the loneliness epidemic one gathering at a time. To learn more, visit https://purposelysocial.com/.
References:
American Psychological Association. (2020). Stress in America 2020: A national mental health crisis. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/report-october
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