Scivillage.com Casual Discussion Science Forum

https://bigthink.com/the-learning-curve/...emic-myth/

Claims of a "loneliness epidemic" aren't based on robust data. Loneliness might be a problem, but it's not worse than it was in the past.

KEY POINTS: It has become conventional wisdom that society is suffering from an epidemic of loneliness. But the research is mixed. While some data suggests that loneliness is prevalent, it is unclear if it is any worse than in the past. Some data indicate that loneliness has decreased. By jumping to a wrong conclusion, society risks implementing interventions that don't work or fail to address underlying causes... (MORE - details)

RELATED (scivillage): Loneliness as unhealthy as smoking is says Surgeon General

Social media may fill in some of the loneliness that used to exist in general, much as TV also does. Loneliness is assuaged by interacting with other people, whether present or not. In that sense its ubiquity may be lessened or at least held in check by online texting..