The Growing Plight of the Lonely American

According to Duke University researchers, the number of people who said there was no one with whom they discussed important matters tripled to 25 percent between 1985 and 2004. This sort of perceived social isolation has grown right along with the emergence of social media sites, such as Facebook, that promote online connections and the collection of online "friends". Not only do these social media sites encourage web-based chatting and postings in place of face-to-face time, they also serve as distractions from true connections and bonding during times that are spent in-person with others. Additionally, these sites sometimes lead to a false sense of community that further complicates feelings of isolation as site members continuously increase their number of online "friends", but don't experience any of the related personal and emotional rewards. 

 

Aside from online detriments, there is the simple fact that more Americans live alone today than in the past. While only 7 percent of U.S. households contained single occupants in 1940, that figure is up to 25 percent in present day; however, this development only bears a portion of the explanation for the increase in loneliness. Take for example, the thousands of college freshman who are surrounded by countless people every day and still feel tremendously lonely and isolated without the presence of family and hometown friends. This example raises the ageless point that it is quality and not quantity that matters most. Most freshman are able to rebuild their support system of close friends by the second quarter; however some students require professional counseling to uncover complicating factors such as low self esteem issues before they are able to fully rebound from the social disconnection from home.

 

Beyond the heart-tugging sensation of loneliness there are documented links to negative physical and psychological outcomes, such as high blood pressure, increased stress, depression, suicide, obesity, alcoholism and insomnia. That being said, the idea is not to eradicate all loneliness and isolation in our culture and communities. Loneliness plays a vital role in survival as it encourages people to care for one another. So instead of microwaving leftovers and catching up on the recorded shows in your own living room, opt for meeting a friend for dinner or hosting a pot luck party. If the thought of socializing on these levels is too overwhelming, you might be suffering from prolonged isolation with hereditary or genetic underpinnings. A licensed counselor can assist with understanding the root causes of prolonged loneliness and implementing a plan to build a lifestyle with more fulfilling and enriched relationships.

 

To view the full Newsweek Web Exclusive, click here.