In a world increasingly connected through technology, loneliness remains a significant health concern, prompting Julie Aitken Schermer, a professor in the DAN Department of Management and Organizational Studies and Psychology at Western University, to emphasize the vital role of meaningful social interactions in combating loneliness.
Loneliness, according to Schermer, signifies an individual’s dissatisfaction with personal social connections. The need to belong and matter to others is fundamental, and loneliness arises when these meaningful connections are lacking. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies loneliness and social isolation as interchangeable terms, both encapsulating the absence of meaningful contact with others.
Schermer underscores the critical impact of loneliness on health, with associations found between loneliness and negative factors such as poor sleep, cardiac issues, and self-harm. While community loneliness programs often focus on older individuals, Schermer advocates for a broader perspective, acknowledging that younger people are also susceptible to loneliness. Addressing the loneliness of younger generations should be a priority, she suggests, warranting dedicated resources for understanding and mitigating the factors contributing to their loneliness.
Examining trends, Schermer highlights the WHO’s recent assertion that one-third of older people experience loneliness. As the global population ages, the incidence of loneliness may rise. The impact of the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns has intensified the spotlight on loneliness, especially in North America. Reflecting on the U.K.’s 2018 expansion of ministerial responsibilities to address loneliness as a critical issue, Schermer emphasizes the need for more retrospective data to determine if loneliness has been increasing in society over time.
Schermer delves into the nuanced relationship between technology and loneliness, citing research by her graduate student, Kristi Baerg MacDonald. The study indicates that actively using technology for interpersonal interactions results in lower reported levels of loneliness. In contrast, passive use, such as scrolling through social media, is associated with higher levels of loneliness. This underscores the importance of purposeful engagement with technology to foster genuine connections.
Schermer proposes that the ultimate “cure” for loneliness lies in meaningful social interactions with at least one person. Overcoming the challenge of bringing individuals together for meaningful interactions is crucial. Schermer highlights the success of the social prescription model adopted in the U.K., where individuals are prescribed activities with others, such as gardening or hiking. Through shared activities, people naturally engage in conversations, starting with the activity itself and gradually progressing to more personal discussions, fostering deeper and more meaningful connections.
Schermer advocates for a collective effort to prioritize and facilitate meaningful social interactions as the primary strategy in combating loneliness. The emphasis on human connection, particularly during the holiday season, serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of building and maintaining social bonds throughout the year.
