Loneliness in young adults is of pandemic proportions, perhaps surprisingly so for those who are older. Aren’t the elderly supposed to experience more loneliness than happy-go-lucky young people? The answer is no longer, very unfortunately. But isn’t pandemic too strong a word to use? No, because this is an international phenomenon reported around the world. Let’s look at the facts, then explore some of the reasons and impacts of this trend.
What Is Loneliness?
Dr. Vivek Murthy, the former US Surgeon General, declared that there is a loneliness epidemic in the US. He said, “Loneliness is the subjective feeling that you’re lacking the social connections you need. It can feel like being stranded, abandoned, or cut off from the people with whom you belong—even if you’re surrounded by people. What’s missing when you’re lonely is the feeling of closeness, trust, and the affection of genuine friends, loved ones, and community”.
The Loneliness Pandemic
Young adults between the ages of 18-25 are the loneliest by age of the US population, according to a 2018 IPSOS survey of 20,096 adults [1]. A large-scale study in the UK found a similar result for young adults ages 16-24. 40% of 16-24 year olds reported that often or very often they feel lonely, compared with 27% of those over 75.[2]. These results have been seen internationally and across cultures and genders. This contrasts with the conventional view, held until recently, that older people feel more lonely.
The COVID pandemic had a greater impact on loneliness among young people, with 50.8% of people aged 16 to 24 reporting feeling lonely compared to 30.9% for the general population [1].
In fact, 6 out of 10 young adults reported feeling lonely frequently, almost all the time, or all of the time, according to Harvard’s Loneliness in America Survey in 2020 of 950 Americans [3].
Loneliness has a high cost that may not be immediately apparent. Loneliness is linked to early mortality and a wide range of serious emotional problems, including depression, anxiety, heart disease, substance abuse, and domestic abuse.
Young adults are far more likely not only to be lonely, but, according to a CDC survey, 63% of this age group are suffering significant symptoms of anxiety or depression. And 43% reported increases in loneliness since the outbreak of the pandemic. Loneliness and depression can significantly compound each other in a circular fashion.
The Loneliness in America survey suggests that lonely young adults are even more likely than lonely people generally to lack basic forms of human attention and emotional sustenance. [3].
Research also shows that loneliness can feed suspicion, contempt, and aggression. Lacking social connection carries the same, if not greater, health risks as heavy smoking, drinking, and obesity.
Causes of Loneliness in Young Adults
One theory of loneliness distinguishes between social and emotional loneliness [4]. Social loneliness may happen when there is a lack of social networks such as family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Emotional loneliness arises when intimate relationships or bonds are lacking (e.g. a partner or close friend).
In this view, it’s possible to feel emotionally lonely even if a young adult has considerable social bonds, and vice versa. Emotional loneliness is typically more painful as they feel the absence of close connections.
The causes of loneliness among young adults are complex as they search for personal identity, meaning, and purpose. They include:
- Developmental Context: Adolescent and young adults social interaction is critical for the formation of identity and separation from family. Lacking that has a great impact.
- Transitions: Young adulthood is marked by multiple life transitions, such as taking a job, moving to a new city, or attending college. Each of these transitions presents social and emotional challenges that can evoke loneliness.
- Social comparison: The prevalence of social media can lead to increased social comparison and feelings of inadequacy, resulting in feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Feeling disconnected: Alienating aspects of modern society may contribute to feelings of disconnection. And connection is more important than ever.
- Pressure: Young adults often face pressures related to career, relationships, and personal development and while coping with those pressures may feel lonely.
The Impact of Social Media
Social media compounds the reality of loneliness. Social media can benefit people who are lonely by making new friends, or joining together with other like-minded youth to pursue various causes. So those who feel like outsiders may find friendship with others of common interests who feel similarly. This active use can enhance well-being [3]
But social media can be a painful place for lonely young adults, especially if used more passively. It can significantly deepen feelings of being unwanted if their posts don’t get enough likes or they may be subject to bullying, harassment, and ostracism. The obsessive self-curation and posing on social media can painfully magnify the longing of lonely young adults for real understanding and connection, reinforcing feelings of deficiency and shame.
The Lack of Connection and Community
The current mental health crisis among young adults is deeply rooted in a lack of connection and community—a true pandemic of disconnection. I believe this is the leading cause of rising mental health struggles among young adults. As humans, we are wired for connection; it’s not just a want, but a need for survival.
When young adults lack meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging, feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression take hold. The shift away from in-person interactions, worsened by social media and digital communication, has created a generation that is more connected online, yet lonelier than ever.
To truly address this crisis, we must focus on rebuilding real-life communities that foster engagement, support, and shared experiences—because connection isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential for mental well-being.
The Consequences of Loneliness
Loneliness can have severe consequences for young adults.
- Mental health issues: Loneliness is associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems [4].
- Risky behaviors: Lonely young adults are more prone to engage in substance abuse and other risky behaviors.
- Physical health: Loneliness can lead to immune deficiency and poor sleep quality.
- Suicide risk: Being lonely creates a 16-fold increase in the risk of death by suicide [5].
Strategies to Combat Loneliness
There are many ways that feelings of loneliness can be overcome, including:
- Limit social media use: Reducing time on social media platforms to 10 minutes a day has been shown to decrease loneliness and depression
- Volunteer: Participating in volunteer work can provide opportunities to meet like-minded people and enhance a sense of purpose.
- Prioritize sleep: Adequate sleep is key as sleep deprivation can trigger social withdrawal and loneliness.
- Cultivate in-person connections: Meaningful real-life friendships are proven to reduce loneliness and depression in young adults.
- Explore social opportunities: Joining clubs, affinity groups, or organizations can help build social connections.
- Seek professional help: Consulting a medical professional is recommended if loneliness persists or leads to mental health issues.
Societal Initiatives
Given Dr. Murthy’s challenge to combat loneliness, the following broader societal initiatives are required:
- Inclusive public policies: Improving overall living conditions through policies related to education, housing, income, and health services can help reduce risk factors associated with loneliness.
- Social support networks: Fostering environments that provide recognition, love, and appreciation can protect against loneliness.
- Addressing social inequalities: Implementing interventions that support young adults in situations of greater vulnerability is essential
By understanding the unique challenges faced by young adults, and implementing both individual and societal strategies, we can work towards reducing the prevalence and impact of loneliness among young adults.
Supporting Young Adults In Their Journey to Independence
Engage Young Adult Transitions is a transitional living program and therapeutic community that assists young adults on their path to independence. Using attachment theory, we provide a foundation for forming connections, getting involved with the community, managing mental health, and building life skills for long-term success.
Located just steps from Southern Utah University in Cedar City, we offer access to services seven days a week, including academic support, vocational training and career guidance, life skill coaching, mental health therapies, and recreational activities.
Our community offers high levels of therapeutic support that honors autonomy and independence while guiding young adults to a life of freedom, emotional wellness, and success. Get involved with the Engage Transitions community today!
Sources
[1] DesHarnais Bruce, L et al. 2019. Loneliness in the United States: A 2018. National Panel Survey of Demographic, Structural, Cognitive, and Behavioral Characteristics. American Journal of Health Promotion 2019, Vol. 33(8) 1123-1133
[2] Hammond C. Who feels lonely? The results of the world’s largest loneliness study. BBC Radio 4’s All in the Mind
[3] Weissbourd R. et al. Loneliness in America: How the Pandemic Has Deepened an Epidemic of Loneliness and What We Can Do About It. Making Caring Common Project. Harvard Graduate School of Eduction.
[4] Shah HA, Househ M. 2023. Understanding Loneliness in Younger People: Review of the Opportunities and Challenges for Loneliness Interventions. Interact J Med Res. 2023 Nov 2;12:e45197.
[5] Shoib S. et al. 2023. Association Between Loneliness and Suicidal Behaviour: A Scoping Review. Turk Psikiyatri Derg. 2023 Summer;34(2):125-132
[6] Fardghassemi S, Joffe H. The causes of loneliness: The perspective of young adults in London’s most deprived areas. PLoS One. 2022 Apr 6;17(4)