Freakonomics Radio Is There Really a “Loneliness Epidemic”? (Ep. 407 Rebroadcast)
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Sep 2, 2021 
Eric Kleinenberg, a sociology professor at NYU, and Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a professor at BYU specializing in psychology and neuroscience, delve into the complexities of loneliness in modern society. They explore its profound impact on mental and physical health, revealing startling statistics on its prevalence. The discussion also highlights societal trends contributing to this loneliness epidemic, such as the rise of single-person households and digital connectivity, while offering potential strategies for fostering social connections.
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Survey Data Reliability
- Survey data can be unreliable due to sampling and question design.
- Journalists often overlook data reliability, prioritizing narratives.
Loneliness as a Public Health Issue
- Loneliness is a significant public health concern, comparable to diabetes and smoking.
- It increases risks of heart disease, depression, dementia, and anxiety.
UK's Loneliness Minister
- The UK appointed Tracey Crouch as the first loneliness minister.
- This highlights loneliness as a serious issue with public health consequences.