AI Companions: the future of friendship or a dangerous illusion?Loneliness is becoming a public health crisis in the U.S., with AI companions emerging as alternative sources of connection.
In Defense of the Work FriendDespite digital connectivity, people report having fewer close friends, indicating a growing loneliness in modern society.
Reducing Loneliness on College CampusesLoneliness is declared an epidemic, particularly affecting Gen Z college students, emphasizing the necessity for human connection.
How Social Isolation Can Shorten LifeLoneliness can be equally dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes daily, yet solitude can also foster personal growth.Finding balance between solitude and social connections is essential for well-being.Solitude helps in accepting uniqueness and strengthens relationships with others.
The Future of Your Mental Health on Artificial IntelligenceAI impacts mental health by reducing our critical thinking and fostering loneliness, especially among Gen Z.While AI offers benefits, we must remain in control and mindful of our connections with others.Young people are struggling with loneliness due to AI replacing human interaction.
US friendship is in freefall - shredding bonds and cutting lives shortFriendship decline negatively impacts personal well-being and societal trust, particularly affecting working-class Americans.The rise of loneliness poses significant health risks comparable to smoking.
AI Companions: the future of friendship or a dangerous illusion?Loneliness is becoming a public health crisis in the U.S., with AI companions emerging as alternative sources of connection.
In Defense of the Work FriendDespite digital connectivity, people report having fewer close friends, indicating a growing loneliness in modern society.
Reducing Loneliness on College CampusesLoneliness is declared an epidemic, particularly affecting Gen Z college students, emphasizing the necessity for human connection.
How Social Isolation Can Shorten LifeLoneliness can be equally dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes daily, yet solitude can also foster personal growth.Finding balance between solitude and social connections is essential for well-being.Solitude helps in accepting uniqueness and strengthens relationships with others.
The Future of Your Mental Health on Artificial IntelligenceAI impacts mental health by reducing our critical thinking and fostering loneliness, especially among Gen Z.While AI offers benefits, we must remain in control and mindful of our connections with others.Young people are struggling with loneliness due to AI replacing human interaction.
US friendship is in freefall - shredding bonds and cutting lives shortFriendship decline negatively impacts personal well-being and societal trust, particularly affecting working-class Americans.The rise of loneliness poses significant health risks comparable to smoking.
Reconnect with Connection: Building Better Communities IRLBusinesses are stepping up to address loneliness as a public health crisis by fostering connections.Innovative technology and products are being developed to combat loneliness and enhance social interactions.
The trouble with 'donating our dopamine' to our phones, not our friendsTechnology and societal shifts contribute to a trend of willful isolation in contemporary society.
Meet your new hospital receptionist! 'Melody' the robot can listen toThe new companion robot Aria aims to combat loneliness in elderly men with realistic features and emotional interaction capabilities.
Lonely? There's an app for that... but should there be?Tech startups are developing solutions aimed at reducing loneliness, but their effectiveness raises questions about technology's role in human connection.
Are AI Chatbots Changing How We Talk About Cheating?Sending flirty texts to an AI chatbot raises new ethical questions about fidelity in relationships.
Smartphones are making people lonely. This app thinks it has the cureTimeleft connects strangers for dinners to combat global loneliness.
Reconnect with Connection: Building Better Communities IRLBusinesses are stepping up to address loneliness as a public health crisis by fostering connections.Innovative technology and products are being developed to combat loneliness and enhance social interactions.
The trouble with 'donating our dopamine' to our phones, not our friendsTechnology and societal shifts contribute to a trend of willful isolation in contemporary society.
Meet your new hospital receptionist! 'Melody' the robot can listen toThe new companion robot Aria aims to combat loneliness in elderly men with realistic features and emotional interaction capabilities.
Lonely? There's an app for that... but should there be?Tech startups are developing solutions aimed at reducing loneliness, but their effectiveness raises questions about technology's role in human connection.
Are AI Chatbots Changing How We Talk About Cheating?Sending flirty texts to an AI chatbot raises new ethical questions about fidelity in relationships.
Smartphones are making people lonely. This app thinks it has the cureTimeleft connects strangers for dinners to combat global loneliness.
I moved to South Korea without knowing anyone. A family of strangers took me in, and we're still in touch 18 years later.The author's experience highlights the importance of human connection in overcoming loneliness while living abroad.
The dinner party entrepreneurs trying to bust loneliness and pay the bills in a notoriously tough industryDinner clubs are emerging as a remedy for social disconnection by facilitating community through shared dining experiences.
'Don't you have friends to go with?': the stigma and joy of a table for one | Emma GannonSolo dining is increasingly accepted as a fulfilling experience despite societal judgments around eating alone.
Americans Need to Party MoreAmerica faces a growing loneliness crisis, with social gatherings declining significantly over the years.
They Don't Know I Threw This Party Just for the FoodParties can alleviate loneliness and create connection, so consider throwing one without a special occasion.
Dr. Vivek Murthy Shares His Recipes For ConnectionGathering over food can combat loneliness and strengthen community ties according to Dr. Vivek Murthy.
I moved to South Korea without knowing anyone. A family of strangers took me in, and we're still in touch 18 years later.The author's experience highlights the importance of human connection in overcoming loneliness while living abroad.
The dinner party entrepreneurs trying to bust loneliness and pay the bills in a notoriously tough industryDinner clubs are emerging as a remedy for social disconnection by facilitating community through shared dining experiences.
'Don't you have friends to go with?': the stigma and joy of a table for one | Emma GannonSolo dining is increasingly accepted as a fulfilling experience despite societal judgments around eating alone.
Americans Need to Party MoreAmerica faces a growing loneliness crisis, with social gatherings declining significantly over the years.
They Don't Know I Threw This Party Just for the FoodParties can alleviate loneliness and create connection, so consider throwing one without a special occasion.
Dr. Vivek Murthy Shares His Recipes For ConnectionGathering over food can combat loneliness and strengthen community ties according to Dr. Vivek Murthy.
Want to Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier? Then Cultivate Your Social ConnectionsSocial health, as a crucial third pillar of human health, significantly affects well-being, happiness, and longevity, yet is often overlooked.
The solution to workplace isolation might be in the gap: The generation gapWidespread loneliness is a growing public health crisis in the U.S., heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic.Workplaces potentially play a crucial role in alleviating loneliness by fostering intergenerational connections.
Spending time with loved ones helps you live longer, say scientistsSocial connections significantly boost immune health and reduce serious diseases like stroke and type 2 diabetes.
Trevor felt invisible' after his wife died now experts are trying new ways to tackle Australia's loneliness epidemicEven active individuals can experience profound loneliness, highlighting the complex nature of social connections in older adults.
7 global buzzwords for 2025: From 'techquity' to 'climate displacement' to 'belonging'A One Health approach offers solutions for tackling ecosystem collapse and climate displacement, highlighting the importance of belonging against loneliness.Loneliness is recognized as a critical public health issue affecting societal health, prompting global action.
Care provider takes aim at loneliness with Valentine's Day event for Peninsula seniorsA card drive for elderly residents highlights the impact of loneliness and the importance of connection during Valentine's Day.
Want to Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier? Then Cultivate Your Social ConnectionsSocial health, as a crucial third pillar of human health, significantly affects well-being, happiness, and longevity, yet is often overlooked.
The solution to workplace isolation might be in the gap: The generation gapWidespread loneliness is a growing public health crisis in the U.S., heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic.Workplaces potentially play a crucial role in alleviating loneliness by fostering intergenerational connections.
Spending time with loved ones helps you live longer, say scientistsSocial connections significantly boost immune health and reduce serious diseases like stroke and type 2 diabetes.
Trevor felt invisible' after his wife died now experts are trying new ways to tackle Australia's loneliness epidemicEven active individuals can experience profound loneliness, highlighting the complex nature of social connections in older adults.
7 global buzzwords for 2025: From 'techquity' to 'climate displacement' to 'belonging'A One Health approach offers solutions for tackling ecosystem collapse and climate displacement, highlighting the importance of belonging against loneliness.Loneliness is recognized as a critical public health issue affecting societal health, prompting global action.
Care provider takes aim at loneliness with Valentine's Day event for Peninsula seniorsA card drive for elderly residents highlights the impact of loneliness and the importance of connection during Valentine's Day.
OpenAI says ChatGPT might be making its most frequent users more lonelyChatGPT's high usage may correlate with increased loneliness, particularly among 'power users.'Voice interactions initially alleviate loneliness, but long-term use may reverse benefits.
Heavy ChatGPT users tend to be more lonely, suggests researchHeavy ChatGPT users tend to feel lonelier and more emotionally dependent on the AI, with fewer offline social connections.
OpenAI says ChatGPT might be making its most frequent users more lonelyChatGPT's high usage may correlate with increased loneliness, particularly among 'power users.'Voice interactions initially alleviate loneliness, but long-term use may reverse benefits.
Heavy ChatGPT users tend to be more lonely, suggests researchHeavy ChatGPT users tend to feel lonelier and more emotionally dependent on the AI, with fewer offline social connections.
6 Hidden Yearnings That Control Your LifePeople drawn to thrift stores may seek invisible connections to fulfill emotional needs and combat loneliness.
How Office Design Can Address The Loneliness EpidemicWorkplaces should foster community to combat loneliness and enhance employee interactions.
Being an only child was lonely. I want my kids to have siblings to grow up with.Growing up as an only child in a single-parent household can lead to feelings of loneliness and longing for sibling companionship.
Dear Abby: I got along great with my kids until my ex-wife told these storiesRebuilding relationships with estranged children is crucial but may require addressing past behaviors and showing personal growth.
I Finally Asked My Son Why He Keeps Me Away From His Family. I'm Shocked the Answer Involves My Wealth.Financial independence can create misunderstandings in family relationships, leading to feelings of neglect despite financial stability.
33 Super Shocking Secrets People Decided To Keep From Their PartnersMany partners keep significant secrets that affect their relationships, particularly during emotionally stressful times.
Being an only child was lonely. I want my kids to have siblings to grow up with.Growing up as an only child in a single-parent household can lead to feelings of loneliness and longing for sibling companionship.
Dear Abby: I got along great with my kids until my ex-wife told these storiesRebuilding relationships with estranged children is crucial but may require addressing past behaviors and showing personal growth.
I Finally Asked My Son Why He Keeps Me Away From His Family. I'm Shocked the Answer Involves My Wealth.Financial independence can create misunderstandings in family relationships, leading to feelings of neglect despite financial stability.
33 Super Shocking Secrets People Decided To Keep From Their PartnersMany partners keep significant secrets that affect their relationships, particularly during emotionally stressful times.
Masculinity Will Not Save MenYoung men in America face growing challenges, including increased loneliness, rising suicide rates, and a disconnection from meaningful societal roles.
Young people are eating alone more. It could be affecting their well-being.Young Americans' happiness is declining, partly due to increased solitude during meals, which negatively impacts their well-being.
Many young people find safety in the soothing world of ASMR imagine if we could give them that in the real world | Emma BeddingtonASMR videos serve as a comforting substitute for physical touch and connection, especially among young viewers.
I hate working from home, so when I started freelancing full-time, I built coworking days into my scheduleWorking from home, once a dream, became isolating and unsatisfying, leading to a preference for in-person collaboration.
Council Post: Addressing Impostor Syndrome In Remote RolesRemote work can enhance flexibility but may lead to reduced well-being and heightened feelings of imposter syndrome.
The loneliness of remote work: Older adults most affected by the loss of social networks - Local News MattersThe COVID pandemic has intensified loneliness among remote workers, especially those aged 55 and older.
Work-from-home employee finds perfect companion to overcome loneliness despite 70-year age gapWorking from home can be lonely, but companionship with neighbors can provide comfort and alleviate feelings of isolation.
I hate working from home, so when I started freelancing full-time, I built coworking days into my scheduleWorking from home, once a dream, became isolating and unsatisfying, leading to a preference for in-person collaboration.
Council Post: Addressing Impostor Syndrome In Remote RolesRemote work can enhance flexibility but may lead to reduced well-being and heightened feelings of imposter syndrome.
The loneliness of remote work: Older adults most affected by the loss of social networks - Local News MattersThe COVID pandemic has intensified loneliness among remote workers, especially those aged 55 and older.
Work-from-home employee finds perfect companion to overcome loneliness despite 70-year age gapWorking from home can be lonely, but companionship with neighbors can provide comfort and alleviate feelings of isolation.
I Was Eating Alone When A Man Came Up And Said 4 Words That Have Haunted Me Throughout My LifeSociety often equates happiness with traditional relationships, leading individuals to feel judged for choosing to be single.
Here's What 29 Women Had To Say About Why They Decided To CheatMany women cheat due to feelings of loneliness and lack of fulfillment in their current relationships.
As an agony aunt, I know the biggest cause of unhappiness: other people. Here's the secret to better relationshipsDifficult relationships cause significant anguish and a sense of disconnectedness.
Our Only Friends Went Away for the Weekend Without Us. We're Hurt!Moving to a new location can lead to feelings of loneliness; it's important to expand your social circle instead of relying on existing friendships.
Harriette Cole: I just met him, but I believe he's meant to be my husbandTrust your gut feelings but prioritize in-person meetings in online dating.Returning home can bring unexpected feelings of disconnection.
I Was Eating Alone When A Man Came Up And Said 4 Words That Have Haunted Me Throughout My LifeSociety often equates happiness with traditional relationships, leading individuals to feel judged for choosing to be single.
Here's What 29 Women Had To Say About Why They Decided To CheatMany women cheat due to feelings of loneliness and lack of fulfillment in their current relationships.
As an agony aunt, I know the biggest cause of unhappiness: other people. Here's the secret to better relationshipsDifficult relationships cause significant anguish and a sense of disconnectedness.
Our Only Friends Went Away for the Weekend Without Us. We're Hurt!Moving to a new location can lead to feelings of loneliness; it's important to expand your social circle instead of relying on existing friendships.
Harriette Cole: I just met him, but I believe he's meant to be my husbandTrust your gut feelings but prioritize in-person meetings in online dating.Returning home can bring unexpected feelings of disconnection.
The Perfect Girl Next DoorThe author's feelings of inadequacy and isolation in LA change when they begin to connect with the outgoing makeup artist.
I'm an American who moved to Barcelona. I would've left after a few months if I hadn't fallen in love.Falling in love helped me overcome loneliness after moving to Europe during the pandemic.Adjusting to life in a new country can be challenging, especially during difficult circumstances.
The Perfect Girl Next DoorThe author's feelings of inadequacy and isolation in LA change when they begin to connect with the outgoing makeup artist.
I'm an American who moved to Barcelona. I would've left after a few months if I hadn't fallen in love.Falling in love helped me overcome loneliness after moving to Europe during the pandemic.Adjusting to life in a new country can be challenging, especially during difficult circumstances.
The savage suburbia of Helen Garner: I wanted to dong Martin Amis with a bat'Helen Garner explores themes of loneliness and personal catharsis through gardening in her Melbourne home.
The Odd Woman and the City by Vivian Gornick review a restless mind on the moveGornick's writing insightfully blends personal history with urban exploration, capturing the essence of loneliness and connection in New York City.
The savage suburbia of Helen Garner: I wanted to dong Martin Amis with a bat'Helen Garner explores themes of loneliness and personal catharsis through gardening in her Melbourne home.
The Odd Woman and the City by Vivian Gornick review a restless mind on the moveGornick's writing insightfully blends personal history with urban exploration, capturing the essence of loneliness and connection in New York City.
New Models for Aging as WomenWomen globally outlive men by 6-7 years, highlighting an urgent need to address their end-of-life quality of life.
Men's Social Networks Decline Significantly as They AgeMen's social networks decrease significantly after midlife, affecting well-being.Strong social support networks lead to improved mental and physical health.Childhood experiences influence the size of adult support networks.Older adults can take steps to maintain and expand their social connections.
New Models for Aging as WomenWomen globally outlive men by 6-7 years, highlighting an urgent need to address their end-of-life quality of life.
Men's Social Networks Decline Significantly as They AgeMen's social networks decrease significantly after midlife, affecting well-being.Strong social support networks lead to improved mental and physical health.Childhood experiences influence the size of adult support networks.Older adults can take steps to maintain and expand their social connections.
Is this new horror comedy starring Tim Robinson the cure for male loneliness?Adult friendships are increasingly challenging to form and maintain.'Friendship' explores the emotional complexities and dark turns of male relationships.
I struggled to adapt to the real world and full-time work after graduating from college. Strangely, adopting a cat helped.Adopting a cat provided emotional support while adjusting to postgrad life.The absence of friends post-graduation caused feelings of grief and loneliness.
Drew Barrymore says that her female friendships have 'anchored' her life the mostDrew Barrymore values female friendships as a central support system throughout her life.
Is this new horror comedy starring Tim Robinson the cure for male loneliness?Adult friendships are increasingly challenging to form and maintain.'Friendship' explores the emotional complexities and dark turns of male relationships.
I struggled to adapt to the real world and full-time work after graduating from college. Strangely, adopting a cat helped.Adopting a cat provided emotional support while adjusting to postgrad life.The absence of friends post-graduation caused feelings of grief and loneliness.
Drew Barrymore says that her female friendships have 'anchored' her life the mostDrew Barrymore values female friendships as a central support system throughout her life.
Behind the Mask: Why Do People Catfish?Online anonymity allows for identity experimentation, attracting some to create false personas.Catfishing is often motivated by loneliness and attachment anxiety.People may catfish to escape their real-life insecurities.
I wasn't prepared for the loneliness I felt when my ex and I separated. When my son isn't here, the silence in my house is overwhelming.Coping with the silence and loneliness after a separation is a profound challenge, amplifying internal doubts and personal identity struggles.
Behind the Mask: Why Do People Catfish?Online anonymity allows for identity experimentation, attracting some to create false personas.Catfishing is often motivated by loneliness and attachment anxiety.People may catfish to escape their real-life insecurities.
I wasn't prepared for the loneliness I felt when my ex and I separated. When my son isn't here, the silence in my house is overwhelming.Coping with the silence and loneliness after a separation is a profound challenge, amplifying internal doubts and personal identity struggles.
Juxtapoz Magazine - A (Surreal) Seating For Six: An Interview with Surreal Salon 17 Winner, Amber HartThe winning artwork at Surreal Salon 17 comments on loneliness and the facade of everyday normalcy.
'I would love to share affection and attention': This Facebook group connect families with surrogate grandparentsSurrogate Grandparents USA connects families seeking grandparent figures with potential surrogate grandparents to foster relationships and combat loneliness.
What the Capybara Can Teach UsShteyngart's affection for capybaras reflects deeper themes of loneliness and nostalgia, finding beauty in their odd charm and sweetness.
Loneliness and Human NatureHuman nature is malleable, shaped by evolution, but loneliness is a fundamental aspect of being human that drives social connection.
Social media is making many people more depressed - Buddhist philosophy may offer an explanationHuman dissatisfaction, or dukkha, is rooted in craving, which is pervasive in modern life and exacerbated by social media.
Japan aquarium cheers up lonely sunfish by taping photos of human faces to its tankAquarium staff found that a sunfish appeared lonely after the closure, improving when given human cut-out companions.
Roy Wood Jr. Comes Into FocusRoy Wood Jr.'s special illustrates how loneliness stifles connection and breeds social disorder, culminating in a powerful final message.
Gen Z is the loneliest generation - but boomers are feeling goodYounger adults aged 18-29 report significantly higher feelings of loneliness compared to older adults, despite having more time ahead of them.
"Companionship" Robot That Its Creator Says Is Definitely Not a Sex Robot Looks Around With a Dazed ExpressionThe introduction of Aria, a robot designed to combat loneliness, raises questions about its hypersexual appearance and intended purpose.
Squid unveil new single "Building 650"Squid's new song "Building 650" reflects on feelings of loneliness and being an outsider while visiting Tokyo, inspired by their first trip to Japan.
Asking for a friend: I'm a widower in my 70s who is lonely and looking for love - where do I start and what about protection from STIs?It's never too late to seek companionship and love, even at an older age.
San Francisco State University: "Valentine's Project"A dating project helps SFSU students find compatible partners right before Valentine's Day, addressing loneliness among college students.
Asking for a friend: I'm a widower in my 70s who is lonely and looking for love - where do I start and what about protection from STIs?It's never too late to seek companionship and love, even at an older age.
San Francisco State University: "Valentine's Project"A dating project helps SFSU students find compatible partners right before Valentine's Day, addressing loneliness among college students.
Loneliness linked to ill health through effect on protein levels, research suggestsLoneliness significantly impacts health by altering protein levels tied to diseases, emphasizing the necessity of social connections.