The Startlingly Simple Way to Not Feel Lonely

"People across every age group describe feeling disconnected and alone, missing a sense of community and deep friendships. Our reliance on technology, the fact that we spend our days interacting with screens and talking to bots, not people, working in isolation; the geographic scattering of families and the disappearance of community pillars; the overall shift in our values as a society, with "progress" having replaced contentment; all of it contributes to the situation in which we now find ourselves."

"I hear a lot about loneliness and often about loneliness that exists within relationships, the feeling so many people describe of having "friends" but not feeling particularly close to those "friends," and the lightness and superficiality that characterizes many friendships these days. And I hear about what people really want and need from their relationships-what makes them feel connected and cared for and what makes them feel lonely. In this way, I have an inside view into what helps and heals our loneliness. That said, I want to suggest one simple practice that can move the dial when it comes to loneliness,"

Loneliness is widespread across all ages and stems from multiple social changes. Reliance on technology and daily interactions with screens and bots reduce human contact, while isolated work, geographically scattered families, and fading community institutions weaken social bonds. A societal shift prioritizing "progress" over contentment contributes to pervasive disconnection. Many relationships feel light and superficial, leaving people with friends but lacking closeness and deep care. People desire connection, feeling cared for, and meaningful bonds, yet increasingly lack the skills to form them. A simple, intentional interpersonal practice can create connection, deepen friendships, and significantly reduce feelings of loneliness.

Read at Psychology Today