Solitude and social connection
We all feel alone from time to time. Feeling alone is a natural part of life. But for some people, the feeling persists and the loneliness becomes both long-lasting and harmful.
The impact of loneliness is now well documented and the promotion of social ties is identified as a protective factor.
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Social isolation means objectively having few social relationships or roles and infrequent social contact.
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Loneliness is an unpleasant or distressing subjective feeling of lack of connections with other people, accompanied by a desire for more or more satisfying social relationships.
Social connection is health
Social ties have known positive impacts:
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Reduction of risks of risky behavior and death due to chronic diseases.
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Improved quality of life, sleep and well-being.
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Strengthening the ability to recover from stress, anxiety and depression. Healthy diet, physical activity and reduction of weight gain.
(e.g., House et al. (1988) Social Relationships and Health. Science, 241, 540-545)
Known harmful consequences of isolation and loneliness
Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., Baker, M., Harris, T. & Stephenson, D. (2015) / Nirappil, 2023
Heart disease, overweight obesity
Anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, dementia
Absenteeism from work, loss of productivity, more frequent hospitalization
The consequences of loneliness would be comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day
The socially connected human
Reimagining our society into a socially connected community
School
Children learn social and emotional skills in schools.
Work
Individuals work in places that support employee connectivity
Society
Everyday systems, like food and transportation, as well as urban environments are intentionally designed to foster social connections.