Doing It Right with Pandora Sykes cover image

Doing It Right with Pandora Sykes

The lonely economy, with Noreena Hertz

Oct 6, 2021
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.
48:41

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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