Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation
- Mar 2
- 2 min read
I read this a few years ago when it first came out in 2023 and stumbled across it again over the weekend. This report not only explains where we're at (and why) but shows us how to build more connected lives and a more connected society. I’m sharing it here as I think it’s important for us all to be aware of it. Think Again is very much something that I hope helps this loneliness crisis.
I particularly enjoyed reading what/how (at all levels of society) we can help “reconnect” our society.
Below are a few quotes that stood out for me (to give you a taste!):
“The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity.”
“The harmful consequences of a society that lacks social connection can be felt in
our schools, workplaces, and civic organizations, where performance, productivity, and engagement are diminished.”
“Given the profound consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have
an opportunity, and an obligation, to make the same investments in addressing social connection that we have made in addressing tobacco use, obesity, and the addiction crisis. If we fail to do so, we will pay an ever-increasing price in the form of our individual and collective health and well-being. And we will continue to splinter and divide until we can no longer stand as a community or a country. Instead of coming together to take on the great challenges before us, we will further retreat to our corners—angry, sick, and alone.”
“Between 2003 and 2020 there has been an increase of 24 hours per month spent alone”
“Between 2003 and 2020 there has been a decrease of 20 hours per month spent engaging with friends.”
“Research suggests that diversifying social relationships to include connections
with people who are outside of your group (bridging social capital), as well
as connections between people of differing power status in the community
(linking social capital) are also associated with improved community health and
well-being.”
“Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds can help to stimulate creative thinking and encourage the consideration of different perspectives, leading to better problem-solving and decision-making.”
“Core discussion networks,” are circles of people who have conversations on
timely but difficult topics such as politics, finances, world events, religion,
health, and more. The nature, size, and diversity of these discussion networks are
important to how individuals form opinions, attitudes, and awareness of differing perspectives. They ultimately foster political tolerance. Generally, the size and diversity of core discussion networks have been shrinking substantially over the recent decades”
💬 A quick note: replies can be easy to miss here, so feel free to add a new comment rather than replying directly. This isn’t a fast-fire space, it’s intentionally slower, and shaped for thoughtful engagement with the ideas themselves, rather than back-and-forth responses.
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