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Time of India
24-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Loneliness is the new silent killer: WHO warns of a global health crisis in a hyperconnected world
We've never been more connected, yet so many of us feel deeply alone. In a world filled with social media, video calls, and instant messages, loneliness is quietly becoming a major health crisis. A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals a shocking truth: loneliness is now linked to over 871,000 deaths every year. It's not just about feeling sad or isolated; it's harming our bodies and minds. From heart problems to depression, the effects are real. As this silent epidemic grows, it's time we take loneliness seriously and start rebuilding the human connections we all need. Loneliness is becoming a global health crisis despite digital connection In an era where we are constantly plugged into digital networks, sending texts, reacting with emojis, and hopping on video calls, a silent epidemic is claiming lives at an alarming rate. A new report by the World Health Organization (WHO), From Loneliness to Social Connection: Charting the Path to Healthier Societies , reveals a disturbing global paradox: despite unprecedented connectivity, loneliness is emerging as one of the most pressing public health threats of our time. According to the report, over 871,000 people die each year due to the direct and indirect effects of loneliness. That's more than 100 people every hour, a figure that rivals the global death tolls from major diseases such as heart conditions and diabetes. Far from being a fleeting emotional state, loneliness is now recognised as a risk factor for serious health issues, both physical and mental. What loneliness really means and why it affects our health The WHO defines loneliness as the gap between the relationships people have and the ones they desire. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gentle Japanese hair growth method for men and women's scalp Hair's Rich Learn More Undo It's not merely the state of being alone but the painful feeling of being emotionally or socially disconnected. Social isolation, the objective lack of social contact, is closely related, and both conditions can lead to devastating consequences. Mounting research links loneliness to an array of health problems, including stroke, heart disease, dementia, depression, anxiety, diabetes, and even premature death. The report underscores that strong social connections act as a 'biological buffer,' reducing inflammation, regulating stress hormones, improving mental well-being, and potentially extending life expectancy. The hidden social and economic causes behind the loneliness epidemic Despite the global reach of smartphones and social media, our digital lives often lack depth. Likes, comments, and brief messages may create an illusion of interaction, but they rarely substitute for the meaningful relationships that humans truly need. As Chido Mpemba, co-chair of the WHO Commission on Social Connection, points out, even young people immersed in digital environments often report feeling profoundly alone. But screen time isn't the sole culprit. The loneliness crisis is deeply rooted in a complex web of socioeconomic and cultural factors: Poor health and disability can restrict social participation. Economic hardship leads to stress and fewer social opportunities. Urbanisation and sprawling cities have diminished traditional community spaces. A culture of hyper-independence often prizes productivity over personal connection. Lack of accessible education and shared social infrastructure can further isolate individuals. All these factors contribute to a world where forming and maintaining deep social bonds is becoming increasingly difficult. Why the WHO wants loneliness treated as a public health priority To tackle this crisis, the WHO urges governments and institutions to recognise loneliness not as a personal failing but as a systemic health issue. The report outlines a multifaceted approach to addressing the problem, calling for Policy changes that promote community engagement and inclusive urban planning Investment in research to better understand loneliness and how to combat it New ways to measure social connection and isolation, allowing for better monitoring and targeted interventions Public campaigns that encourage acts of connection, such as initiating conversations with strangers or joining local groups Above all, the WHO stresses that social connection should be treated as a core component of public health, just as vital as access to clean water, nutrition, or vaccines. How to rebuild human connection and overcome loneliness in today's fragmented world The loneliness epidemic is not an inevitable consequence of modern life but a result of systems and priorities that undervalue human connection. While there's no quick fix, even small, intentional acts, like a shared meal, a walk with a friend, or a supportive workplace, can begin to restore a sense of belonging. If societies fail to act, loneliness will continue to erode not only individual health but also the social fabric that binds communities together. The time to treat connection as essential to well-being is now because, in the end, our lives may depend on it. Also Read: Can't sleep? New research shows ancient Indian and Chinese exercises enhance sleep quality
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Loneliness is killing us faster than we think: New report warns of the silent killer in the most connected era ever
In a world where a text, video call, or emoji is just a tap away, it's easy to believe we've never been more connected. But a haunting new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) lays bare a sobering truth: despite our digital tethering, millions are suffering — and dying — from loneliness. Titled From Loneliness to Social Connection : Charting the Path to Healthier Societies, the report warns that over 100 people die every hour from the physical and emotional toll of loneliness. That's more than 871,000 deaths a year, a figure that now rivals — and in some cases exceeds — many of the world's most lethal diseases. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category MCA CXO Artificial Intelligence others Data Science Operations Management PGDM Others Product Management healthcare Design Thinking Data Analytics Cybersecurity Healthcare Data Science Leadership Degree MBA Finance Project Management Digital Marketing Technology Management Public Policy Skills you'll gain: Programming Proficiency Data Handling & Analysis Cybersecurity Awareness & Skills Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Master of Computer Applications Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details What Does Loneliness Really Mean? Loneliness, as defined in the WHO report, isn't simply about being alone. It's the aching gap between the relationships one has and the relationships one wants. Social isolation , meanwhile, is the actual lack of social contact. Both are deeply harmful — not just emotionally, but biologically. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This One Household Ingredient Made Her Skin Look Decades Younger AntiAging Tricks Try Now Undo Health risks linked to loneliness span a terrifying range: stroke, heart disease, dementia, diabetes, depression, and even premature death. The WHO calls social connection a 'biological buffer,' one that reduces inflammation, supports mental health, and potentially adds years to your life. — WHO (@WHO) Why Are We So Lonely When We're So "Connected"? Digital connectedness may be wide, but it's rarely deep. 'Even in a digitally connected world, many young people feel alone,' said Chido Mpemba, co-chair of the WHO Commission on Social Connection. Social media might offer likes and comments, but often fails to deliver the real human bonds our bodies and minds require. You Might Also Like: What is 'relationship anarchy'? The new dating trend that fights loneliness but has a big red flag The problem, though, goes far beyond screen time. Loneliness is fueled by a cocktail of factors: poor physical health, economic instability, lack of accessible education, urban sprawl, and the increasing erosion of shared public spaces. Add to that a culture that often idolizes independence and productivity over community and connection, and you get a crisis silently growing in scope. A Call for Systemic, Human-Centered Solutions The WHO's roadmap out of this crisis is ambitious but essential. It urges governments to create and implement policies that foster real-world engagement, invest in research, and develop reliable ways to measure social isolation and loneliness. It also advocates for public campaigns to encourage something as simple — yet radical — as talking to a stranger. There is no one-size-fits-all cure, but the underlying message is clear: social connection must be treated as a public health priority. If left unaddressed, loneliness will continue to rob people not just of joy, but of their very lives. You Might Also Like: 'How to make friends in Bengaluru?': Woman's struggle to form adult friendships highlights city's loneliness crisis in Reddit post
