"Loneliness alert: A third of adults in the United States have no close personal relationships (Cigna, 2021), and the rates of loneliness are on the increase, with 49 percent of U.S. adults reporting having three or fewer friends, a percentage that's doubled since 1990 (Cox, 2021). Why does this matter? Depression: Research demonstrates that lonely individuals are significantly more likely to be clinically depressed (Mann et al., 2022). Loneliness is associated with self-harm (Shoib et al., 2023) and predicts suicide ideation and attempts."
"Other health effects: Lonely people are more likely to experience hypertension, fatigue, and poorer quality of sleep (see Momtaz et al., 2012; Jaremka et al., 2013; Floyd et al., 2025). Further, lonely persons are 26 percent more likely to die prematurely (Galkin et al., 2022). In light of these health consequences, what coping strategies might prove effective? Ways of coping While conventional wisdom might suggest that social media apps can keep us connected and provide a sense of belonging, Hall (2025) found that social media use is related to trait loneliness, and while it may not cause loneliness, social media may not be a good means of coping with loneliness in the long term."
A third of U.S. adults report no close personal relationships and 49 percent report three or fewer friends, a rate that has doubled since 1990. Loneliness increases the likelihood of clinical depression, is associated with self-harm, and predicts suicide ideation and attempts. Loneliness also correlates with hypertension, fatigue, poorer sleep quality, and a 26 percent higher risk of premature death. Social media use relates to trait loneliness and may not provide effective long-term coping. Three consistently effective coping strategies are investing in existing relationships, maintaining productivity, and adopting health-focused changes and behaviors.
Read at Psychology Today
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