Derek Thompson, a staff writer at The Atlantic, reflects on how people can improve their daily lives by finding companionship in moments of solitude. He references three books that explore themes of social connection and community, including "Bowling Alone" by Robert D. Putnam, which examines the decline of American community, and "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt, which explores how childhood experiences contribute to mental illness. Thompson also mentions "Superbloom", a book by Nicholas Carr that discusses how technology can both unite and isolate people.
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/02/american-loneliness-personality-politics/681091/A report by United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy found that young Americans aged 15 to 24 spend 70% less time interacting with friends in person compared to their counterparts 20 years ago. This decline in face-to-face interactions is attributed to the widespread use of smartphones, which has led to a preference for digital relationships. The report emphasizes the importance of investing in self-care and community by spending time with friends, which requires commitment and financial investment. However, this can be challenging when friends have different values around money management, particularly if they are in starkly different financial positions. To address this issue, individuals can suggest budget-friendly or free options for socializing, recognizing that nurturing relationships is an important form of self-care and personal development.
https://channelnewsasia.com/commentary/make-new-friends-adults-loneliness-health-4818636A recent survey found that nearly 40% of respondents reported being held back by stigma and discrimination, while a further 46% were deterred from engaging in activities such as job applications, socializing, and participating in sports due to the fear of being stigmatized or discriminated against. The survey was conducted by the mental health project team at Kemh.gov.fk, who are working with the community to address stigma related to mental health issues.
https://en.mercopress.com/2024/12/18/falklands-publishes-survey-results-of-a-mental-health-anti-stigma-campaign#commentsAccording to Alisa Simon, chief youth officer at Kids Help Phone, the organization experiences an increase in calls from young people during the winter break due to various stressors such as family tensions, pressure to appear happy, reduced social interactions with friends, and anxiety over upcoming high school exams. To mitigate this, mental health professionals recommend that parents maintain open communication with their children and be aware of any significant changes in their behavior. Data from Kids Help Phone shows a notable spike in messages received during the winter months, with 816,650 contacts between November 1 and December 31, compared to 779,734 during July and August of the same year.
https://globalnews.ca/news/10910287/holidays-kids-teen-anxiety-loneliness/In South Korea, a growing concern is the issue of loneliness and social isolation, particularly among young adults aged 19 to 39. According to a 2021 study by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, approximately 340,000 people in this age group are considered lonely and reclusive. This phenomenon has led to an increase in "godoksa", or lonely deaths, which occur when individuals die by suicide or illness after living in prolonged social isolation. The number of lonely deaths in South Korea rose from 3,378 in 2021 to 3,661 in 2023, as reported by the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare.
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3288945/south-korea-lonely-deaths-are-rise-isolation-takes-its-toll?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionSeoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has launched the "Seoul Without Loneliness" initiative, a comprehensive plan to address social isolation in the city. The program aims to create a supportive framework that addresses loneliness across various life stages and fields, with all departments of the Seoul Metropolitan Government collaborating on its implementation.
https://www.insider.com/experts-say-seoul-322-million-plan-fight-loneliness-not-work-2024-11