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The NewsWorthy

Special Edition: Loneliness Epidemic - Why the Disconnect in a Connected World?

Oct 12, 2024
In this discussion, Dr. Marisa G. Franco, a psychologist and NYT best-selling author, tackles the pressing loneliness epidemic. She reveals how technology, despite keeping us connected, has heightened feelings of isolation, particularly among Gen Z. Dr. Franco shares practical tips for cultivating meaningful friendships, emphasizing the importance of initiative and group interactions. She also offers insights for busy parents on maintaining social ties while balancing family life and highlights community strategies to foster deeper connections.
18:37

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Quick takeaways

  • Loneliness is increasingly recognized as an epidemic, especially among younger generations, with significant mental and physical health consequences.
  • Proactively seeking social connections through repeated interactions and maintaining a positive mindset are essential strategies for combating loneliness.

Deep dives

Understanding the Loneliness Epidemic

Loneliness is defined as the subjective feeling of wanting more social connection than one has, which has been increasingly recognized as an epidemic, especially among younger generations like Gen Z. Research indicates that rates of loneliness have been on the rise since the 1950s, with a significant spike occurring around 2012, coinciding with the rise of smartphones. Factors contributing to this phenomenon include technology usage patterns, where passive consumption leads to feelings of isolation, while active engagement can foster better connections. Notably, findings suggest that individuals who actively use their smartphones to arrange in-person meetups experience lower levels of loneliness compared to those who replace real-life interactions with online scrolling.

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