"Loneliness is the painful perception that one's social connections are inadequate, in quality or quantity; a gap between the relationships a person has and the relationships they need or experience as meaningful."
"While we are a profoundly social species, we are living in a societal moment defined by fragmentation and social depletion, with fewer opportunities for repeated, casual, in-person connections."
"We think loneliness is due to circumstances, such as having insufficient time or opportunities for friendships; it can be internalized as a personal failure or a belief that there is something intrinsically wrong with you."
Loneliness is a widespread issue in the United States, with significant percentages of adults feeling lonely, isolated, or disconnected. It is characterized by the perception that social connections are inadequate, regardless of the presence of people. This feeling can arise from both individual vulnerabilities and environmental factors. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this trend, highlighting a societal shift towards fragmentation and reduced opportunities for meaningful interactions. Authentic connections are essential for combating loneliness, which is often misunderstood as a personal failure.
Read at Psychology Today
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