Have Boundaries Made Us Lonely?

"Boundaries have become part of our social understanding in recent years-the importance of setting boundaries has been the focus of many social media posts, books, podcasts, and blog posts right here on Psychology Today. And of course, boundaries are important-they delineate the separation between what is us and what is ours to manage and what belongs to someone else and is theirs to manage. As Prentis Hemphill said, "Boundaries are the distance I can love you and me simultaneously." Boundaries keep us safe."

"The digital world is incredibly enticing—we can order everything to be delivered to our door without having to talk to another human. We can avoid many of the annoyances of everyday life by retreating into our digital world. We can even avoid some of the potentially cringeworthy or awkward moments that might happen when we engage with other humans, like the person in the checkout line or that colleague at work."

Nearly half of adults report feeling lonely, with the highest rates among young people, and loneliness carries serious health consequences. Boundaries define the separation between what an individual manages and what belongs to others and serve to keep people safe. Boundaries around time and social engagement can be used to avoid the inconveniences and awkwardness of human interaction. Digital conveniences enable a frictionless life that reduces required social contact and encourages retreat into online spaces. Sustaining meaningful relationships requires intentional effort, presence, and a willingness to tolerate occasional discomfort and inconvenience.

Read at Psychology Today