The Reason for Suffering from Chronic Loneliness: Psychology Explains

SadaNews - American health experts have previously announced that suffering from chronic loneliness is a public health crisis. Research has shown that chronic loneliness is associated with depression, cardiovascular diseases, and even an increased risk of death.

According to a report published by Psychology Today, headline warnings indicate that we now have fewer friends than ever before, providing advice on how to form more friendships. There is a debate about whether smartphones have spoiled social life and whether remote work has contributed to isolating people from one another.

The most important question remains: why do individuals feel lonely?

Sociologist Ray Oldenburg views that healthy societies rely on "third places," which are informal public gathering spaces outside of home and work, where people regularly interact and build relationships, such as in cafes, bowling alleys, hobby groups, or volunteer organizations.

"Third places" are locations where individuals connect with others away from their homes (their first place) or their workplaces (their second place). The "third place" is where individuals used to meet others repeatedly until they became true friends.

Currently, "third places" are experiencing a decline with a reduction in their patrons and a lack of membership in clubs or social associations.

Some tend to see the feeling of loneliness as an internal sensation... something that happens within individuals. But what if the feeling of loneliness is less about emotion and more about the environment? What if it is an inevitable result of the dismantling of spaces that made frequent direct communication routine? Indeed, there is a lack of social networks that many prevailing spaces seem incapable of forming.

The Origin of "Making Friendships"

Sociologists have long shown that close relationships rarely form because someone is seeking to "make friendships." Rather, they form through repeated exposure, shared activities, and gradual self-disclosure. One attends, sees, and talks to the same individuals. Then, one reveals more of oneself each time, thus accumulating trust.

Studies consistently show that participation in voluntary associations is associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, increased trust, and improved mental health. In other words, social capital is cumulative; the more networks an individual belongs to, the more resources they have available, whether emotional or material.

Research findings reveal that it is not enough to advise individuals suffering from chronic loneliness to take care of themselves, consult a psychologist, or abandon their phones. While these interventions can help individuals cope, they do not rebuild the infrastructure.

These individuals need interaction based on shared interests and to see the same people frequently enough for familiarity to transform into trust. Romantic relationships are important, but they do not substitute for a broader network of social connections.