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The Loneliness Epidemic
Society & Culture

The Loneliness Epidemic

How Modern Connectivity Has Paradoxically Isolated Us

Amara Osei

Sociologist at the London School of Economics, specializing in social capital, community, and the sociology of technology.

March 12, 2026·13 min read

The Loneliness Epidemic

Despite living in the most connected era in human history, rates of loneliness and social isolation have reached epidemic proportions across the developed world. Understanding this paradox requires examining the difference between connection and genuine community.

TOPICS
lonelinesssocial mediacommunitymental health
FURTHER READING
WHO: Social Isolation
WHO
Harvard Study of Adult Development
Harvard Study
Pew Research: Social Connections
Pew Research
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