Staff Reporter

A recent study by Gallup and Meta, titled “The Global State of Social Connections,” sheds light on the widespread issue of loneliness today.

Conducted between June 2022 and February 2023, the survey interviewed individuals aged 15 and older across 142 countries, revealing insights into loneliness across different age groups.

According to Statista’s Anna Fleck, the findings show that globally, 25% of respondents aged 15 to 18 feel “very lonely” or “fairly lonely.”

The situation is even more pronounced among those aged 19 to 29, where 27% report experiencing significant loneliness.

In contrast, only 17% of respondents over 65 indicate feeling similarly isolated.

While the COVID-19 pandemic heightened feelings of isolation for many, this data suggests that loneliness remains a significant issue even after lockdowns have ended.

The health implications of loneliness are serious; social isolation has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and dementia, as well as mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

The study notes that while it provides valuable insights into how people feel, further research is needed to understand the underlying reasons for these feelings of loneliness.