KERA's Think Here’s what to do if you’re lonely
Sep 5, 2025
Matthew Scherr is a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine, sharing insights on the loneliness epidemic and creative solutions. Jeremy Nobel, a physician and founder of the Foundation for Art and Healing, discusses using art as a therapeutic outlet. Marissa G. Franco, a professor and author, offers strategies for building and maintaining friendships. They explore loneliness's health risks, innovative community initiatives, the importance of platonic bonds, and how creativity can foster deeper connections.
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Loneliness Is Widespread But Debated
- Surveys show roughly 30–45% of Americans report serious loneliness weekly depending on polling methods.
- Matthew Scherr frames the scale as large but debated whether to call it an "epidemic."
Loneliness As An Evolutionary Signal
- Louise Hockley's theory likens loneliness to hunger as an evolutionary signal to reconnect with others.
- Matthew Scherr emphasizes loneliness harms the body and motivates social repair.
Loneliness Causes Real Health Harm
- Research shows loneliness causally increases physical health risks, not just correlationally.
- Scherr notes even nonhuman interactions, like companion robots, can quickly reduce loneliness symptoms.
