Loneliness leads to earlier demise, study suggests.
André Hajek, a distinguished professor at UKE, discusses the detrimental effects of loneliness on health in an interview. Hajek explains that loneliness can be as harmful as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day, negatively impacting both mental and physical health.
Loneliness is distinguished from a preference for solitude by its negative emotional component. It originates from the perceived disparity between desired and actual social relationships, representing a deficiency in social connections. Over time, loneliness can skew one's perception, making individuals more cynical toward others and even organizations such as the police.
People require high-quality social connections. However, some individuals may withdraw, leading to limited interactions, or find themselves too occupied with work or family responsibilities. This lack of social engagement can result in mental health issues and a decrease in physical activity. Moreover, lonely individuals may drink more alcohol, which increases stress levels and the risk of developing chronic diseases and even premature death.
Scientists are still debating whether loneliness triggers mental illness or if the inverse is true. Regardless, loneliness is a significant concern that warrants attention.
Contrary to popular belief, loneliness is not confined to bustling cities. research indicates no significant difference between urban and rural areas in terms of loneliness levels. Furthermore, studies suggest that lower income individuals may be more prone to feelings of loneliness.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs published a loneliness barometer indicating a rise in loneliness among young people. Despite the end of the pandemic, these feelings persist, largely due to ongoing crises such as war and climate change.
Social media platforms are a significant contributor to loneliness, especially among young people. Excessive use or addiction can disrupt real-world interactions, promote negative emotions, and encourage social comparison. While some users engage with social media to fulfill social needs, excessive use can reduce face-to-face interactions, fostering feelings of hopelessness and social isolation.
In moderation, social media use can improve well-being and reduce loneliness. Quality online friendships and feelings of closeness and camaraderie on social networks can boost self-esteem and reduce loneliness among younger users. However, young people report lower self-esteem and more loneliness despite higher-quality online friendships, possibly due to the intense social comparison and pressures prevalent on many platforms.
According to Professor Hajek, physical activity, team sports, and volunteering can help alleviate feelings of loneliness. Caring for grandchildren and interacting with others in person can be particularly beneficial for older individuals. Spending too much time at home can lead to loneliness, but having a pet, like a dog, can provide companionship.
Politicians can play a role in combating loneliness by creating spaces and opportunities for people to connect. For example, well-designed parks equipped with sports facilities for older individuals have proven effective in promoting social interaction.Professor Hajek distances himself from feeling lonely due to his extensive study and literature work, citing his family, quality connections, and exercise as means of staying well. Hugging, while not thoroughly researched, could be beneficial in reducing feelings of loneliness.
In conclusion, social media can contribute to loneliness through various means, including cyberbullying, sleep disruption, and social comparison pressures. Excessive and addictive use, particularly among adolescents, is linked to increased loneliness and hopelessness. Moderation in social media use and focusing on the quality of online interactions can help mitigate negative effects. Young adults, who spend considerable time on social media, are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues related to loneliness. No specific platforms are identified as uniquely harmful, but the overall volume and nature of social media engagement in young people correlate with negative mental health outcomes.
Science has revealed that loneliness, a condition arising from a perceived deficiency in social connections, can negatively impact both mental and physical health, much like smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. In the realm of health-and-wellness, mental-health issues such as cynicism, hopelessness, and increased stress levels are often associated with loneliness.
