How to Combat the Loneliness Epidemic in 2025

Mental health and sociology experts have been sounding the alarm about the loneliness epidemic. The term repeatedly comes up in discussions about the biggest risks to health and wellness in 2025. Unfortunately, it’s a problem that won’t simply go away. But what can we, as individuals, do about it?

How often do you feel lonely? For one in five Americans, the answer is every day or almost every day. For many more, a sense of loneliness is a less ubiquitous, but still frequent, occurrence.

This reality has led to the recognition of the severity of the loneliness epidemic. Loneliness is not an isolated issue, but rather affects both physical and mental health in general. Studies indicate that loneliness can be as dangerous to health as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day!

It may be tough to see a solution, especially as individuals within a system that can be extremely isolating. However, there are steps we can take to address the problem in our own lives, while improving outcomes for society as a whole.

Let’s discuss what the loneliness epidemic is and its severity, before digging into what we can do about it.

What is the Loneliness Epidemic and Why Does It Matter?

The loneliness epidemic refers to the increasing quantity and severity of loneliness among people in the U.S. and around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called it a public health threat. Former U.S. surgeon general Vivek Murthy declared the issue an epidemic in the spring of 2023.

Loneliness affects people of all ages in the U.S. and has both short-term and chronic consequences. It can cause or exacerbate mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, as well as increasing the risk factor of physical illnesses like heart disease, strokes, and early-onset dementia.

This is due in part to the increase of stress reactions caused by a lack of social connection and support. Humans evolved as social beings and our bodies respond negatively to the absence of connection under the assumption that something is wrong.

Furthermore, stress is increased when a person does not have practical or moral support during hard times. While stress is a natural reaction that is helpful during crises, it becomes harmful when it remains high for extended periods of time, which is why there are severe effects of loneliness on health.

Top Reasons Why Loneliness Is on the Rise in 2025

There are a number of causes of the loneliness epidemic. Many of them were exacerbated by the distance necessitated during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, high levels of loneliness existed before the lockdowns of 2020 and have been connected to the realities and expectations of modern life.

Loneliness has been on the rise for decades, a fact recognized in the 1980s as a growing problem. It is, sadly, a feature of the way our society is set up to function. Industrialization has done a lot of good for the world in an economic sense, but has become a value system in and of itself, one that encourages competition.

Vivek Murthy wrote in 2020: “Our twenty-first-century world demands that we focus on pursuits that seem to be in constant competition for our time, attention, energy, and commitment. Many of these pursuits are themselves competitions. We compete for jobs and status. We compete over possessions, money, and reputations. We strive to stay afloat and to get ahead.”

This not only leads to a neglect of relationships, but actually promotes interpersonal tension and isolation. After all, competition can break down collaboration and the pursuit of mutual benefits.

The Corporate Context

The rise of massive corporations has increased the severity of the problem. In the past, we would walk to local stores, meeting people along the way and connecting to the owners of small businesses. We would see our neighbors and interact on a communal level.

Today, with superstores like Walmart and commerce giants like Amazon, these interactions are rare. Instead, our day-to-day activities are carried out in isolation, often from the comfort of our own homes.

Working from home is another innovation that, along with its benefits, has increased the levels of loneliness. Many people no longer see their colleagues on a daily basis, limiting their relationships to a much smaller group of people.

Of course, technology can be another contributing factor, seeing as we get so many of our entertainment and leisure needs online.

Proven Ways to Overcome Loneliness in Daily Life

This information can seem very disheartening, especially as we have little control over the way our society functions. There is no turning back the march of progress – and it’s important to remember that this progress has come with many major benefits.

But that does not mean we are helpless in our own lives.

Here is how to combat loneliness with practical steps.

Commit to Regular Meetups with Friends

Loneliness isn’t only a problem for those lacking friendships. Many people with strong relationships also struggle, with the stress of work and responsibilities making it difficult to prioritize those relationships.

However, with the recognition of the immense importance of friendships, it becomes easier to make time during your week to connect with your friends. Make a commitment to meeting up with them on a regular basis and hold it as sacred as you would any work responsibility.

Join Communities with Shared Interests

You don’t need to have strong pre-existing friendships to combat loneliness. There are many communities out there when you start looking. By joining groups with shared interests, you create the space for seamless interactions.

Book clubs, spiritual groups, running clubs, and exercise classes can all be great ways to meet likeminded folks. If you have dogs, you can meet other dog-lovers at the park every day.

It may take a bit of courage to start speaking to strangers, but when you know you share a passion, it is easier to find a natural starting point.

Connect Through Tech

Technology can divide people, but it can also help you connect. For many, finding a social group nearby is difficult or evokes a lot of anxiety. Online forums where people are kind and encouraging, on the other hand, can provide a lot of interaction and meaning.

Make sure to avoid platforms where divisiveness is more common. Arguing on social media may be a way of interacting with others, but it reinforces loneliness rather than building community.

Stay Present During Interactions

Multitasking while out with friends has become normalized. You may frequently find yourself on your phone responding to emails or distracted by social media. This decreases the quality of these interactions and can make you feel more isolated.

When together with friends and family, commit to staying present. If possible, set your phone to Do-Not-Disturb mode and avoid the urge to do anything but remain in the moment.

Conclusion

The loneliness epidemic is here to stay and there is not much we can do about that as individuals. However, we can combat loneliness in our own lives by prioritizing relationships and finding community. When you remind yourself of the importance of connection, it is easier to give the same commitment to friendship as you would to economic pursuits.

References

GALLUP: Daily Loneliness Afflicts One in Five in U.S.

US Public Health Service: Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation

AARP: U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy on the Dangers of Loneliness

Harvard: What is Causing Our Epidemic of Loneliness and How Can We Fix It?