The heightened risk of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased attention to the issue, leading to loneliness and social isolation being recognized as serious public health concerns.1 A study conducted by the IFO Institute and the European Commission reveals that in 2016, 12 % of people in the European Union frequently experienced the feeling of loneliness. During the initial months of lockdown, this figure increased to 25%. 2
Some researchers even claim that we are living in an epidemic of loneliness right now. However, loneliness is not a modern-day phenomenon. A study by the American Psychological Association analyzed 345 studies comprising 437 independent samples, with a total of 124,855 young adults completing the UCLA Loneliness Scale between 1976 and 2019. Over these 43 years, the study revealed a gradual increase in loneliness. Even though there was constant increase in loneliness, talking about an epidemic of loneliness might be exaggerated. 3
Who is at highest risk for loneliness?
Age is a frequently studied aspect in connection with loneliness. For a long time, the focus was on older people, as they have a particularly high risk of being affected by loneliness. However more recent studied showed that there is a u-shaped relationship between age and loneliness, because also young people are highly affected by loneliness these days. 4
Examining socio-economic factors such as income, health, and living conditions, several studies indicate that individuals with lower income levels are more likely to experience loneliness. Similarly, those who report poor health tend to feel lonelier compared to individuals with good health. Furthermore, research shows that individuals living alone are more likely to experience loneliness. 2 5
Additionally, technology, particularly social media, has a significant impact on our relationships and social interactions. Even though we are more connected than ever, people tend to feel more lonely nowadays. Excessive social media use (in the study from the European commission excessive means two or more hours per day on social media) can contribute to feelings of loneliness, a fear of missing out, and a lack of meaningful social connection. 6 7
Since several studies show the negative impact of loneliness on health and its growing significance in public health, several governments and institutions — such as the government of United Kingdom and Japan, the Ministry of Health in the Netherlands, and the European Commission — are developing strategies to combat loneliness. 2
The next blog post explains which impact loneliness has on our health.
Sources
[1] JRC, „Loneliness and social connectedness: insights from a new EU-wide survey“, 2023.
[2] J. Baarck, B. D’Hombres und G. Tintori, „Loneliness in Europe before and during the COVID-19 pandemic“, Health Policy, Bd. 126, Nr. 11, S. 1124–1129, Sep. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2022.09.002.
[3] S. Buecker u. a., „Is Loneliness in Emerging Adults Increasing Over Time? A Preregistered Cross-Temporal Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review“, journal-article, 2021. doi: 10.1037/bul0000332.
[4] S. V. Schnepf, B. D’Hombres und C. Mauri, Hrsg., Loneliness in Europe. 2024. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-66582-0.
[5] NHS Digital, Health Survey for England 2021: Loneliness and Wellbeing. Available: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2021-part-2/loneliness-and-wellbeing. Accessed: Jan. 7, 2025.
[6] B. Dhombres, M. Kovacic, S. V. Schnepf, and Z. Blaskó, Loneliness and social media use in the European Union, European Commission, 2024, JRC135806.
[7] V. H. Murthy, „Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community“, 2023. [Online]. Verfügbar unter: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
