‘There’s a lot of silence’: have we created a new ‘Lonely Generation’?
This article explores the growing phenomenon of loneliness among young people globally, citing recent studies and social media trends. It examines why younger generations report higher levels of social isolation despite being digitally connected.
Why it matters
It addresses a significant public health and social concern regarding the mental well-being of the 'Lonely Generation'.
Loneliness ‘There’s a lot of silence’: have we created a new ‘Lonely Generation’? Learning to be one human among many has always been a little lonely and discombobulating. But young people around the world are lonelier than ever. Why?
In September, a Reddit user identifying themselves as a 25-year-old man turned to the r/ForeverAlone subreddit with a question : How do you deal with touch starvation? “It’s becoming obvious to me that I’ll probably be alone forever,” he wrote. He used to be worried about missing out on sex, but now he just misses hugs. Cuddles.
“I don’t have many friends and none with that kind of physical relationship. I don’t really hug family either anymore. Some days, I feel so desperate for a hug with someone I love.”
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