Economist and thought leader Noreena Hertz discusses the correlation between fast-paced city living and loneliness. They explore paying for companionship and the rise of the loneliness economy, as well as the negative effects of social media on loneliness. The lack of regulation and accountability in social media companies is also discussed. Overall, they emphasize the importance of connection and caring for others in combatting loneliness.
Loneliness affects people of all ages, with the young generation aged 10-34 experiencing the highest levels, and it has been exacerbated by the use of smartphones and the pandemic.
Urbanization and modern living contribute to increased loneliness, with dense cities and a faster walking pace in wealthier cities hindering social interactions and fostering isolation.
Deep dives
Loneliness is a defining condition of the 21st century
Loneliness is not just a problem for the elderly, but the young generation, aged 10-34, is the loneliest. Loneliness levels have been rising since the 1980s, accelerated by the use of smartphones and worsened during the pandemic. Even before the pandemic, loneliness was a global issue, with 1 in 5 millennials and 1 in 10 adults reporting feeling lonely always or often.
Loneliness has significant physical effects
Loneliness affects our physical health, raising blood pressure, cholesterol, and cortisol levels, and decreasing life expectancy. Our bodies are wired for connection, and loneliness triggers a state of high alert, urging us to seek social bonds. However, modern life often keeps us isolated, leading to prolonged high-alert states and detrimental health effects.
The impact of loneliness on cities and community
Urbanization and modern living have contributed to increased loneliness. Dense cities with a fast pace hinder social interactions, while wealthier cities see a faster walking pace, reducing a sense of connection. Communal activities and spaces that fostered community have decreased, contributing to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
The loneliness economy and alternative solutions
The loneliness economy has emerged as a response to the loneliness epidemic, offering products and services like paid cuddling and friendship rentals. However, addressing loneliness requires more than commercial solutions. Governments must invest in community infrastructure, like libraries and public spaces, and regulate social media platforms to ensure online safety and combat cyberbullying.
Noreena Hertz is an economist and thought leader and the author of The Lonely Century, a fascinating and sprawling study of the epidemic of loneliness. We discuss why loneliness is higher in cities where people walk faster, how robots can be a force for good in social care and how to reconnect communities.