In this age of technological advancement, it’s easier than ever to build social connections. Despite this, researchers are finding that people feel more isolated and lonely than ever before. Below, we shed light on the loneliness epidemic by outlining its risks and providing a roadmap for addressing it.
Defining the “Loneliness Epidemic”
The loneliness epidemic refers to the growing prevalence of persistent feelings of loneliness to the point that it’s now recognized as a public health concern. While everyone experiences periods of loneliness throughout their lives, this epidemic recognizes that many people are experiencing a high degree of social disconnection.
The Difference Between Loneliness and Social Isolation
Although we tend to think of the terms “loneliness” and “social isolation” as interchangeable, they’re not the same. Social isolation refers to a lack of social contact. People who live alone and work from home, for example, are more likely to be socially isolated.
Loneliness, on the other hand, comes when someone feels like they don’t have enough meaningful friendships. They might have frequent social interactions, but they may feel like these interactions don’t meet their emotional needs.
When Individual Experience Becomes a Population-Level Crisis
In the last few years, numerous national surveys and health assessments have tracked the rising rates of loneliness across people from a variety of demographic groups.
Loneliness doesn’t just affect emotional well-being; it also increases someone’s odds of developing a mental or physical illness. When a large segment of the population reports that they’re living in a constant state of loneliness, this social isolation becomes a public health issue.
Why Loneliness Has Become a Widespread Public Health Concern
According to the World Health Organization, loneliness affects people across all age groups, impacting roughly one in six people worldwide. Within the United States, it’s even more common, with about half of all U.S. adults reporting that they feel left out, isolated or lacking companionship often or some of the time.
Because of how widespread it is, loneliness is a public health concern. Chronic loneliness is associated with an increased risk for mental health disorders, cardiovascular disease and early death. According to one study, its long-term impact is more profound than obesity, smoking or alcoholism, highlighting how harmful it is at the population level.
The Link Between Loneliness and Mental Health Disorders
Loneliness and mental health disorders are closely intertwined, with one often causing or exacerbating the other. When someone experiences an ongoing sense of loneliness, they’re more likely to develop a mental illness. On the flipside, having a mental illness can make it challenging to develop and maintain meaningful social connections, which is one reason FHE offers targeted treatment for those living with mental health disorders.
For example, loneliness is strongly associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety. In one study of university students, researchers found that some students felt that even though they were physically present with people, they were emotionally distant. This sense of disconnection can contribute to depression and anxiety, showing how loneliness can worsen mood symptoms and social withdrawal.
Who Is Most at Risk and Why It Matters
Loneliness can affect anyone, but research shows that certain age groups are more vulnerable. According to research published by Harvard, people aged 30-44 years old were the loneliest, with about a third of people in this age bracket reporting that they were “frequently” or “always” lonely. Young adults weren’t far behind, with a quarter of those in the 18-29 age group reporting loneliness. Among those aged 45-64, the rate was 20%, and older adults reported the lowest rate of 10%.
People who experience chronic loneliness are more likely to be diagnosed with depression, anxiety or cardiovascular disease. They’re also more likely to require health care services. Addressing loneliness in these groups is important for preventing long-term health problems and supporting overall well-being.
How Technology and Social Shifts Play a Role
Modern life has changed the way we connect. Counterintuitively, this has contributed to feelings of loneliness. While technology has made it easier to stay in touch despite distance and busy schedules, certain social shifts may have cut down on opportunities for building meaningful connections.
Social Media and Digital Communication
Social media platforms may make it easier to keep up with what’s going on in someone’s life, but these interactions are often surface-level. A user might know where a childhood friend works, took their last vacation or even ate for their last meal. For many, this creates an illusion of connection. Unfortunately, it’s a shallow one that lacks the give-and-take nature of a healthy relationship and doesn’t meet emotional needs.
Constant exposure to carefully curated online lives can increase feelings of inadequacy and isolation, and online connections rarely replace the emotional benefits of in-person interactions. A recent study with over 1,500 participants found that those in the upper 25% of social media usage were more than twice as likely to experience loneliness.
The Decline of Third Places
“Third places,” such as cafes, community centers, libraries and places of worship, have traditionally provided informal spaces for social connection outside of work and home. As the availability and participation in these spaces drop, people have fewer options for social interactions. This can lead to increased social isolation and loneliness.
Remote Work and Changing Family Structures
Remote work, long commutes and spread-out families have reduced everyday contact. Remote work offers flexibility, but the trade-off is a reduction in casual interactions with colleagues. Additionally, smaller households and geographically separated relatives have reduced access to day-to-day support.
Addressing Loneliness on a Personal and Community Level
Reducing loneliness begins with individual strategies, such as pursuing meaningful relationships, participating in a social or hobby group or seeking counseling when needed. At the community level, public health initiatives such as volunteering, creating free community spaces and organizing targeted outreach programs can build stronger networks and prevent isolation. Both approaches are important for addressing the loneliness epidemic for the individual and the population as a whole.
At FHE Health, we recognize the importance of social connection, along with the obstacles that make it difficult to connect with others. Our mental health providers specialize in treating anxiety disorders, depression and other conditions that lead to social isolation. To learn more about our programs and speak with an advisor, contact us today.
