Loneliness and social isolation are posing serious health risks and are linked to the deaths of approximately 100 people every hour across the globe, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned.
According to the latest report released by WHO, about one-sixth of the global population experiences loneliness, while one-third of elderly individuals and one-quarter of adolescents are socially isolated.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, Co-Chair of the WHO Commission on Social Connection, defined loneliness as the painful subjective feeling that arises when the relationships we desire do not match our actual relationships. He described social isolation as the objective lack of social relationships or interactions.
These states of loneliness and social isolation go far beyond emotional discomfort—they have severe impacts on both physical and mental health, increasing the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and suicide.
The paradox of the digital era: More connected, yet more isolated
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that, in an age where the potential for connection is limitless, an increasing number of people are feeling lonely and isolated. He cautioned that neglecting loneliness and isolation could result in losses worth billions of dollars across various sectors, including education, employment, healthcare, and others.
The report noted that loneliness also affects academic performance in young people—lonely teenagers are 22% more likely to have lower grades compared to their peers. Adults, too, are more likely to face difficulties in job seeking or maintaining stable employment.
Key causes of loneliness and social isolation include illness, low income and education levels, lack of opportunities for social interaction, the rise in single-person households, insufficient public policies, weak community infrastructure, and overreliance on digital technologies.
Dr. Murthy emphasized that for thousands of years, humans have communicated not only through language but also through facial expressions, gestures, tone of voice, and even silence. He warned that these nonverbal forms of communication are easily lost when we rely solely on mobile phones and social media.
Sweden’s social connection policy recognized as a global model
WHO introduced Sweden as a model case in combating loneliness.
Sweden recognizes loneliness as a societal issue and is implementing policies to strengthen social connections in everyday spaces.
Plans include distributing prepaid cards to all children and adolescents, which can only be used for group leisure activities. Additionally, the country intends to implement a complete ban on mobile phone use in public schools—a measure backed by research showing that phone bans increase face-to-face interaction and reduce cyberbullying.
Dr. Chido Mpemba, another Co-Chair of the commission, highlighted that even in a digitally connected world, many young people still feel lonely. She stressed the importance of ensuring that technology, while transforming our lives, does not weaken human relationships.
She added that social connection can protect health throughout life, lowering the risk of severe illness, promoting mental well-being, preventing premature death, and building healthier, safer, and more resilient communities.
In 2023, the WHO designated loneliness as an urgent global health threat and launched the Commission on Social Connection to address the issue.
The newly released report offers a shocking estimate that loneliness and social isolation are responsible for more than 871,000 deaths annually, underscoring the urgent need for global attention and action.
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