Loneliness has taken center stage as a global public health threat in recent years. In 2018, the U.K. appointed its first “Minister of Loneliness,” tasked with helping people build community and bolster strong networks of support. This past year, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory, declaring loneliness a nationwide “epidemic.” Chronic loneliness, marked by a deep sense of not belonging, poses severe risks to mental and physical health. The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory revealed in 2023 that ongoing loneliness increases the risk of heart disease by 26%, stroke by 32%, and dementia by 50%, with health impacts likened to smoking 15 cigarettes daily. As is the case with so many other healthcare problems, there has been a concerted effort … Continue reading Why Technology Alone Can’t Solve Loneliness