Why do you think loneliness is an epidemic?

[Anonymous]

From my experience, I am convinced that most people who complain of loneliness are because they simply are too picky when it comes to making friends. You need stop trying to picture or have certain expectations of what your friends should be like (before you get to know someone). Stop trying to categorize people , start talking to people. The second most common reason why people are lonely is simply due to the fact they do not prioritize socializing. If you put your errands, work, overtime, gym etc ahead of socializing, you will NOT have any friends. Reach out to new people at least once a week. When you go out in public, ditch burying your head into your phone. Start making eye contact. Be vulnerable. Stop small talking to pass time but rather actually try to get to know the other person.

[ItsMariusz]

Interesting... I agree that connecting with others is crucial for many people. However, it's important to note that being alone is not synonymous with being lonely; people often confuse the two.

When you mentioned people feeling lonely due to putting errands ahead of socializing, it's true, but those individuals are typically alone, not necessarily lonely. In my experience, I prioritize work and self-improvement over socializing, yet I never feel lonely.

People who genuinely experience loneliness are often marginalized by society. For instance, societal judgment can lead certain individuals to avoid socializing if they don't fit in. Additionally, things like social anxiety or other mental disorders can encourage people to stay away from socializing.

To me, loneliness as an epidemic results from a combination of individual choices, societal factors, and broader cultural trends. Factors such as social isolation, changes in community structures, increased reliance on technology, and societal expectations around relationships and success can all contribute to a sense of loneliness on a larger scale.

[Asker]

When you are alone too much, thats usually when you get lonely. Loneliness is a huge epidemic. Just google it. From my experience, the loneliest people tend to be most picky when it comes to making friends

[ItsMariusz]

From what I've experienced traveling the world, including Japan who is currently experiencing a loneliness crisis, I think you're right, but thats definitely not the #1 reason for loneliness.

[Asker]

loneliness is really common in america too.

[ItsMariusz]

True, but that's expected from a country with this size and population.

And the messed up politics making your life a living hell...

[rigmarole]

I suppose it's a mental health issue for egotistical attention seekers that feel a need to be patted on the head to gain recognition. People have that issue when they look to others to feel a sense of personal value rather than themselves. They depend on other's perceptions of themselves to build up an ego rather than a realistic self-reflection and personal goal setting to maintain healthy levels of confidence and self-esteem. They fiend like a drug addict for that dopamine push they get from receiving praise. Classic narcissism. People that were raised in the selfie culture of social media rather than with normal human iteration amplify their narcissistic tendencies.

[IrishStewed]

It could be they just don't like associating or dealing with other people.

[shortster]

Because social media feels like it is fulfilling your social needs. But in reality it is hollow and your social needs are left unfulfilled.