Top Health Expert Issues Stark Warning on Loneliness
In an age where social media is supposed to keep us connected, Americans are lonelier than ever—and it's killing them. Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a stark warning on Sunday, saying the negative health impacts of chronic loneliness rival those of some of the country's biggest killers.
'The overall mortality increase that can be related to social disconnection is comparable to the mortality impact of smoking and obesity,' Murthy said on NBC's 'Meet the Press.'
Murthy, who served during the Obama and Biden administrations, compared the dangers of chronic loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. 'Our connection with one another is not just a nice thing to have—it's biologically imperative for survival, just like food and water,' he said.
The consequences are serious: Murthy pointed to a 29 percent increased risk of heart disease, a 32 percent increased risk of stroke, a 50 percent higher chance of developing dementia for older adults, and a 60 percent greater likelihood of early death. Even younger generations aren't immune. Murthy warned that American youth, already struggling with digital addiction and social media pressure, are particularly vulnerable.
One national survey from Harvard found that 73 percent of respondents believed technology was fueling loneliness. Murthy said kids today face an 'intense' culture of comparison online, leading to fewer in-person connections and rising anxiety and depression rates. 'There's a difference between online connections and the kind you have in person,' he said.
During his tenure, Murthy released a federal advisory on the crisis, outlining a six-point action plan focused on pro-connection policies, digital reform, more research, and cultivating a culture of connection. His warning comes as roughly one in three U.S. adults report feeling lonely, and one in four report lacking social and emotional support.
'Parents do have good reason to be worried right now,' Murthy added, highlighting that loneliness isn't just sad—it's a deadly public health threat.
Top Health Expert Issues Stark Warning on Loneliness first appeared on Men's Journal on May 27, 2025
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