We Can All Fight the Loneliness Epidemic Together
by Ren Taylor
From endless dating apps to AI chat bots, the technology of connection is rapidly growing. It feels like each month ushers in a new electronic approach to communication and attachment, with companies promising social fulfillment for a monthly subscription fee. Despite this, Americans report feeling lonelier and more isolated than ever before with one in three adults disclosing feeling lonely at least once a week. Pervasive loneliness and lack of social connection not only increase incidence of mental health concerns, but also physical illness. These prevalent health impacts have earned loneliness the title of public health crisis in recent years.
So, what is social connection to begin with? And why is loneliness continuing to increase in the era of universal social connection? Finally, how can we access fulfilling social connections despite modern barriers?
What is Social Connection?
Social connection is often considered amorphous and perplexing, with few people understanding where to look, how to access it, and how to hold on to it. To make things easier, social connection can be divided into three vital components: structure, function, and quality.
Structure: The structure of social connection(s) refers to the amount and diversity of interpersonal relationships, as well as the frequency of interactions of these relationships. This involves considering the kinds of relationships you have from neighbors and coworkers, to siblings and romantic partners. Frequency refers to how often you are able to engage in these relationships. Is it daily, weekly, or monthly and how long do these interactions last?
Function: The function of social connections refers to the needs and wants an interpersonal relationship fulfills. Does this individual offer you mentorship, emotional support, or occasional small talk? This component examines the purpose and role of the relationship.
Quality: The quality of social connection refers to positive and negative conditions of a given interpersonal relationship. This examines relational traits like relationship satisfaction, social stress, and group inclusion or exclusion.
Why Are Loneliness Rates on the Rise?
While the American loneliness epidemic is a relatively new concept, the reality is that American social connectedness has been on the decline for decades. This is likely due to a combination of:
Decreased social participation
The ease of internet connection
Declining access to third spaces.
Today Americans report lower rates of trust in each other than ever before, fostering lower rates of social participation in the community. This lack of trust also leads to lower levels of vulnerability and open communication between community members. Declining funding for third spaces like public parks, libraries, and community centers perseverates this divide. These factors make internet and social media connection feel easier, more accessible, and safer to many Americans. While the internet can be a great way to foster real connection, it can also increase loneliness through social comparison and displacement of real-life interaction.
Methods for Accessing and Enriching Connection
Despite modern barriers to social connection, there are ways to cultivate interpersonal relationships and decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Taking initiative and leaning into the awkwardness of meeting new people
Helping others and volunteering in your community
Increasing opportunities for in-person interactions through third spaces like libraries, parks, community centers, and cafes
Strengthening existing relationships
Attending community events and gatherings
Reducing doomscrolling and other time spent on social media
Reaching out for professional support from a counselor to process loneliness, build confidence, and begin healing from past relationship wounds
Our loneliness epidemic is not hopeless or unsolvable. By engaging with our communities, advocating for accessible third spaces, and putting effort into increasing in-person and real life interactions, we can all do our part to decrease American loneliness and show up for one another.
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