BREAKING NEWS: Research Reveals Alarming Rise in Loneliness Across the Globe
In a shocking new study, experts have sounded the alarm on the growing epidemic of loneliness, which is affecting millions of people worldwide. The research, published today in the prestigious journal "Social Connections," reveals that the number of people experiencing chronic loneliness has skyrocketed in recent years, with devastating consequences for mental and physical health.
LONELINESS EPIDEMIC: THE FACTS
- According to the study, over 400 million people worldwide are now experiencing chronic loneliness, with the numbers expected to rise to 600 million by 2030.
- The most affected age groups are young adults (18-24) and older adults (65+), with rates of loneliness increasing by 15% and 20%, respectively, over the past decade.
- Women are more likely to experience loneliness than men, with 55% of women reporting feelings of loneliness compared to 45% of men.
- The rise of social media has been identified as a significant contributor to the loneliness epidemic, with many people feeling isolated and disconnected despite being surrounded by others.
CONSEQUENCES OF LONELINESS
- Chronic loneliness has been linked to a significant increase in the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
- People experiencing loneliness are also more likely to suffer from chronic physical health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
- Loneliness has even been shown to have a negative impact on the immune system, making people more susceptible to illness and disease.
BREAKING NEWS: Experts Call for Urgent Action
"We are facing a global crisis of loneliness, and it’s imperative that we take immediate action to address this issue," said Dr. Jane Smith, lead author of the study. "We need to rethink the way we approach social connections and community building, and prioritize the well-being of our citizens."
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Loneliness is a growing epidemic affecting millions of people worldwide.
- The most affected age groups are young adults and older adults.
- Women are more likely to experience loneliness than men.
- Social media has been identified as a significant contributor to the loneliness epidemic.
- Chronic loneliness has serious consequences for mental and physical health.
SEO TAGS
- Loneliness epidemic
- Social isolation
- Mental health
- Physical health
- Chronic loneliness
- Social media
- Mental health disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Immune system
- Community building
- Social connections
- Well-being
- Global crisis
Note: The above content is a fictional news article and is not meant to be taken as factual.
By killer I am thinking along the lines of killer of dreams, pursuits, passions, motivation, enjoyment, playfulness. Many more. Take your pick. Obviously yes, people take it to the extreme and decide it's better off not being around which is incredibly sad. Anyway, this is all just a foreword for what I am trying to make sense of.
I'm almost 32. Male. I've essentially been alone from 24 onwards apart from pleasantries and situation-based interactions at work and in some studies through the years. All of my friends from school and after have all since moved up and away. I have since been consistently lonely. Lonely in the sense of not having people in your life who actually know the real you and not just a mask. It really is becoming a punch in the gut at times. I have nobody to share anything with. Nobody at all. It feels like I am wandering through life's experiences and news and situations that ultimately mean nothing because I have nobody to share it with.
I've tried to make friends from the gym and also at work and in a few other random situations. Nothing crazy, just trying to be friendly and share interests and build something. Nothing happens. Nobody wants to put themselves out there. It's the same thing time and time again. I am a good-looking fit guy who has good socials skills and dresses well. I still get nothing in return. Absolutely sucks. I'm not trying to whine here, it's just my experience.
I don't know how to feel lately. I am at a pinnacle point in my life where I am about to begin a new career and will be looking at buying an apartment in the next 6-12 months' time. But I wonder will this do anything for me regarding loneliness. Will I feel more content and settled as a mature adult knowing I am 'doing the right things' and thus push away the feelings of being lonely and I'll be ok?
Idk. I've been reading a lot about how humans are insanely social and that without that box ticked in life, things will likely be very difficult. I can't get it out of my head to be honest. I am tired of trying but also don't want to continue living while feeling like this so keep on trying anyway.
I've lost my points/way here sorry. I've had a few beers after a long week and just figured I'd throw out my thoughts into the void and see what happens.
You can start by opening up yourself and being there for the people. Friendship is a giving game.that.works.when both give. But.someone has to start.
That can be you. Or you can.keep.waiting until someone does it for.you.
Guess.which of the two options you can control?
Similar boat here, but about 2 decades ahead of you and in a somewhat different situation. I’ve had some friends at school. Contact was lost when we all went to different schools after. I did make some new friends, but none that live close, so I only saw them a few times a year. Then for everybody (including myself) life went its way. A partner, work, some had kids and everybody had their own lives. Some of them I only see every few years. What also changed, when I got a girlfriend myself, my friends became our friends. Now we’re a couple visiting a couple and that’s a whole different dynamic.
My girlfriend made friends in my hometown, I didn’t. She’s out and about a couple of times a week, I just go to the gym, read or be with my girlfriend. The paradoxical situation of being lonely in a relationship.
It’s not like we don’t meet people. We’re active in a few groups, but all quite a drive from where we live. Also I’m usually the active person that in no time is burdened with the boring sides of such groups, being secretary, webmaster or chairman for example, so servile, without making friends. My contacts are mostly practical and superficial.
Like yourself, I can’t really come up with a solution. I’d like to know more people in the city where I live, but there appears to be nothing here that I enjoy. Plus I fear for yet another boring job that costs time. I’m currently trying to switch from a big, commercial gym to a smaller, hopefully somewhat more social gym. Little steps and a continuous proces.
I’ve lived on my own for a few years. I’m from a family with four kids and didn’t even have my own room. Having my own place was great, but I guess I should have better tried to put a little more effort in trying to get to know people in the neighbourhood. Perhaps there’s an opportunity for you there.
I feel like I see a similar post every day. I feel for men these days. There’s obviously something that was lost for them along the way.
Do you have a partner or are you trying to find one? That’s obviously a lifelong friend who’s going to be tied at your hip.
When you say you put yourself out there and people don’t want to do the same-what exactly happens?
There’s an app called bumble bff that women use to find friendships like dating apps. I feel like men need the same. Business opportunity.
I’m 32 and have no friends and no girlfriend.
Sometimes I think it’s just not meant to be in this life. Maybe in the next one? I don’t know.
I feel you because I know how hard it is to do everything alone but we have no choice but to carry on. I go to the gym, am in the best shape of my life, live in a house and have a good home office job. I am now concentrating on travelling to make memories. Choose something that fulfils you. The little dreamer in me won’t give up and maybe one day we’ll find the 1-2 right people in our lives.