What in the World Feeling lonely? Come on a friendship date with us
Jul 14, 2025
Amelia Jansson, a BBC journalist, joins Iqra to tackle the pressing issue of loneliness, particularly among young people. They explore how social media can be a powerful tool for forging genuine friendships, despite the challenges of superficial interactions. Amelia shares insights from her own friendship date, emphasizing the importance of meaningful connections over social media noise. Listeners also hear personal stories from teens worldwide and get practical tips from psychologist Dr. Laurie Santos on overcoming feelings of isolation. It's a heartfelt dive into building connections in a lonely world.
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Friendship Walks as Social Tool
- Amelia Jansson meets friends by joining organized walks through Facebook or Instagram in London.
- Sometimes it’s one-on-one, other times hundreds gather, a trend growing globally especially post-pandemic.
Loneliness Hits Teenage Girls Hardest
- A 2023 WHO report shows 1 in 6 people worldwide feel lonely, especially adolescents.
- Teenage girls report loneliness 8% more than boys, the group most affected.
Loneliness Varies by Region and Status
- Loneliness rates are higher in low-income countries and marginalized groups.
- Highest loneliness reported in Africa, eastern Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia regions.