One-third of Americans report feeling lonely every week

Key takeaways:

• Adults aged 18 to 34 years reported feeling lonely more frequently than older adults.
• Three-quarters of respondents believed technology helped them connect with others.

About 30% of adults in the United States experienced loneliness at least once a week, and 10% reported feeling lonely every day, according to January’s Healthy Minds Monthly Poll from the American Psychiatric Association.

“The Healthy Minds Monthly poll confirms loneliness is widespread, especially in young people,” APA President Petros Levounis, MD, MA, said in a press release. “The U.S. Surgeon General is correct to label it as a public health problem with troubling outcomes and to suggest steps communities can take. Doctors and other clinicians can make a major difference in their patients' wellbeing and physical health when they ask about loneliness and how to mitigate its effects.”

The poll, conducted by Morning Consult, gathered responses from 2,200 adults from Jan. 10 to Jan. 12. The survey defined loneliness based on the CDC’s description of “feeling like you do not have meaningful or close relationships or a sense of belonging.”

Loneliness was more common among younger adults. Thirty percent of respondents aged 18 to 34 years reported feeling lonely every day or several times per week. Younger adults were also more likely to use drugs or alcohol to relieve the feelings of loneliness compared with older adults.

To ease the feelings of loneliness, participants reported using entertainment or social media as a distraction (50%), going for a walk (41%) or exercising (31%), spending time with their pets (31%) and reaching out to friends or family (38%). Women were 1.5 times more likely than men to report reaching out to a friend or family member. Other ways to cope included eating more than usual (26%), using drugs or alcohol (13%), speaking with a therapist (9%) and volunteering (6%).

Respondents reported feeling the highest sense of community and belonging with their family (65%), friends (53%) and neighborhood (20%). Feelings of loneliness every week were twice as common among single adults (39%) vs. married adults (22%).

Most respondents believed technology helped them connect with others (75%) and was beneficial for forming and maintaining relationships (69%). Just over half (54%) believed technology promotes meaningful relationships, compared with 46% who believe it promotes superficial relationships.

“Clearly we believe technology can be used to connect with others,” Saul Levin, MD, MPA, APA CEO and medical director, said in the release. “In some cases, it seems to be helping us reach people who become part of our inner circles or to communicate with those who already are. However, distracting yourself when you’re feeling lonely with social media might be a double-edged sword. In this tech-heavy world, we should not forget the value of in-person interaction.”