Global surge in loneliness persists post-pandemic, study reveals
By bellecarter // 2025-05-04
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  • The Gallup-Meta "Global State of Social Connections" study found loneliness is highly persistent, disproportionately affecting younger generations: 25 percent of 15- to 18-year-olds and 27 percent of 19- to 29-year-olds report high loneliness, compared to 17 percent among those over 65.
  • Heavy social media use (over two hours daily) doubles perceived social isolation risk, per a 2017 study. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok provide superficial engagement.
  • Chronic loneliness increases risks of diabetes, heart disease, dementia, anxiety and depression, according to the WHO and the CDC.
  • Declining in-person social networks, economic instability, digital overstimulation, urban cost-of-living pressures reducing casual interactions and Big Tech's platform designs prioritizing screen time over meaningful connections exacerbate the issue.
  • Experts advocate prioritizing real-world community ties, critical tech consumption and systemic policy shifts.
A new global study reveals that loneliness remains stubbornly persistent, disproportionately affecting younger generations. The Gallup and Meta Platforms collaboration, "The Global State of Social Connections," surveyed over 204,000 participants across 142 countries between June 2022 and February 2023, finding stark disparities in loneliness rates by age. While pandemic-era lockdowns exacerbated isolation, the data suggests lingering struggles, particularly among teens and young adults, even as in-person restrictions ease. The findings underscore a growing health crisis tied to social disconnection – and highlight the paradox of connectivity in an age where virtual presence often overshadows real-world bonds. The study's most striking revelation lies in the generational divide. Among respondents aged 15 to 18, 25 percent report feeling "very lonely" or "fairly lonely," a rate that climbs to 27 percent in 19- to 29-year-olds. Meanwhile, individuals over 65 experience the lowest loneliness rates at 17 percent. "This isn't just a pandemic artifact – it's part of a shift toward chronic isolation that predates 2020," said Dr. Janenaire Morley, a sociologist unaffiliated with the study but reviewing its findings. "Younger cohorts navigate social expectations against a backdrop of economic instability and digital overstimulation."

The health toll: Loneliness as a chronic risk

The physical and mental health ramifications of loneliness are well-documented. The World Health Organization recognizes social isolation as a risk factor for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and dementia, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) links it to heightened anxiety and depression. "When people lack meaningful relationships, their whole health declines," said Dr. Liam Chen, a geriatrician at the UCLA Medical Center. "The mental anguish of loneliness primes the body for stress, weakening immunity and accelerating aging."

Social media's role: A virtual smoke screen

The study sidesteps pinpointing causes, but parallel research offers clues. A 2017 American Journal of Preventive Medicine study found that social media users spending over two hours daily were twice as likely to experience perceived social isolation as those online for less than 30 minutes. "Platforms like Instagram and TikTok promise 'connection' but offer superficial engagement," noted Dr. Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General, in a 2021 interview. "You can't scroll through a feed and know someone." (Related: Smartphone overuse in childhood fuels teen depression and anxiety, landmark study finds.) His warning resonates in the Gallup-Meta data, which shows teens and young adults, the most digitally active, encompassing the highest loneliness brackets.

Historical context: Shifts in social structure

The current crisis echoes long-standing societal shifts. The late 20th century saw shrinking social spheres, with Americans averaging three "confidants" in 2004, down from two dozen in 1985, per Robert Putnam's 2000 book "Bowling Alone." "Now, screens have replaced community gatherings," said Putnam. "The pandemic accelerated these trends – a generational text now replaces catching up over coffee." Gallup's findings reflect this trajectory, with global lockdowns amplifying the issue. Experts urge multitiered solutions; Murthy himself emphasizes "in-person interaction as non-negotiable" – a priority amid findings that just 36 percent of respondents feel well-connected to their communities. The former surgeon general also advocates critical media consumption, demanding news outlets frame events without fearmongering or polarizing narratives. On an individual level, the American Psychological Association recommends practical steps: Scheduling face time, joining local groups and setting "phone-free" windows during family time.

Shifting demographics further complicate bonds

Rural and urban dynamics also influence loneliness. The Gallup-Meta study notes that younger rural populations report slightly less loneliness than their urban counterparts, suggesting that accessibility of communal spaces matters. However, mobility limitations in cities, such as cost-of-living pressures, may reduce opportunities for casual interactions. "When you can't afford to live near family or friends, you're essentially stranded," said Mira Torres, a social worker in Los Angeles, echoing concerns about affordability deepening alienation. Tech giants face scrutiny. Meta, the study's co-sponsor, has faced criticism for designing addictive platforms that exacerbate isolation. "They profit from time spent scrolling, not conversations," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), echoing Senate hearings on social media's impacts. Yet Meta's research director, Javier Oliva, claims their work "aims to understand, not address," noting the company funds mental wellness programs. Critics argue that monetization strategies must evolve alongside this awareness. Mental health professionals are expanding treatments. Loneliness clinics, as reported by The Lancet, now integrate group therapy and social skill training. "We're moving beyond individual therapy to build shared spaces," said Dr. Sara Elson, a loneliness clinic director in London. Meanwhile, startup Singularity6 uses VR avatars for neurodivergent individuals to practice real-world interactions – a hybrid approach acknowledging some benefits of technology. The Gallup-Meta study amplifies a clarion call to reimagine modern society. With loneliness linked to early mortality risks comparable to smoking, experts argue it's a public health emergency requiring policy action and cultural shifts. As former Surgeon General Murthy warned, "Technology can't be our default. To rebuild, we must rethink vulnerability – not as a weakness but as a gateway to belonging." Watch the video below that talks about combating loneliness. This video is from the Good News in a Gloomy Age channel on Brighteon.com.

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Social media use linked to TEENAGE DEPRESSION, warn mental health experts. Study finds loneliness increases risk of developing dementia. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com Gallup.com Brighteon.com
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