







Toad, a 20-year-old Danish woman living in Copenhagen, has been lonely her whole life. She is autistic, and as a child, did not have any friends. When she moved from the country to the city, not much changed. “They says it’s a phase, but a phase becomes a life,” she says, surrounded by six other young adults in a cozy apartment in Copenhagen—all of whom are working on becoming less lonely.
We've Lost the Spaces That Foster Friendship
We keep offering individual fixes for loneliness while ignoring the disappearance of the spaces where adults once built real relationships.

Researchers Confront an Epidemic of Loneliness (Published 2016)
Social isolation is linked to physical illness and to functional and cognitive decline. Programs to reach out to the elderly are growing, particularly in Britain.

Intellectual Loneliness
I have a confession to make: I leave most parties early because I'd rather read a book. The world comes to life when I'm surrounded by ideas.

Loneliness epidemic
The concept of a "loneliness epidemic" relating to rising rates of social isolation was first described in the 2000s. Robert D. Putnam's 2000 study Bowling Alone was an early instance of describing loneliness as an epidemic, arguing that decreased participation in civic life and community groups was weakening social bonds in the United States.[5]
This column will change your life: just sit down and think
'No wonder we don't dwell on what's inside: that would underline the loneliness of existence,' says Oliver Burkeman

Why Lonely People Stay Lonely
It’s not because they don’t understand social skills.

What is Causing Our Epidemic of Loneliness and How Can We Fix It?
Researchers share what Americans have to say about social disconnection and potential solutions

How we can solve loneliness in America
An expert in loneliness says the U.S. is in a new "social frontier." Here's how we can cope

Young people five times more likely to have no friends than a decade ago | IPPR
The number of young people with no close friends has increased five-fold since 2014Gen Z are more isolated, more distressed and less productive than previo

The loneliest generation: What it is like to grow up in England today | IPPR
A connected society is one in which we care about how others are doing and, in turn, others look out for our wellbeing. It is the state and public services



America has a loneliness epidemic. Here are 6 steps to address it
Lacking connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to a new advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General.

How Social Isolation Is Killing Us (Published 2016)
Research confirms our deepest intuition: Human connection lies at the heart of human well-being.


Why You're Bored and Lonely: The Death of Third Places

Third Places Aren’t Gone. We Just Stopped Going.

The Disappearance of Third Places

Nowhere to Go: The Loss of Third Places
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social media
(PDF) Facebook confessions: Corporate abdication and Silicon Valley dystopianism

Americans’ Social Activity Has Steeply Declined in the Past 30 Years

Young people five times more likely to have no friends than a decade ago | IPPR

The loneliest generation: What it is like to grow up in England today | IPPR