Diner Attendee Overflowing with Empathy Following Unexpected Absence at Solitude Society Gathering
In the digital age, one would expect the younger generation to be less prone to feelings of isolation. However, a recent study suggests otherwise. Despite being the most digitally connected generation, around 80% of Gen Z report feeling lonely, significantly higher than older generations like Baby Boomers, of whom only 45% report loneliness [1].
This loneliness persists despite Gen Z's extensive use of technology and social media. A global survey of about 1,800 Gen Z individuals found 80% reported feeling lonely, and only 15% said they never felt lonely, highlighting a pervasive loneliness despite connectivity [1].
Jessica Alderson, a relationship expert at So Syncd, stated that technology is having serious consequences on how Gen-Z connect with others. Gallup research showed young workers in Gen Z are almost twice as likely as Gen X and nearly three times as likely as Baby Boomers to report loneliness on a given day [2][3].
Gen Z spends significant time on screens — often 7+ hours a day on phones and streaming media — yet they still experience isolation [2][4]. The constant technology use does not appear to substitute for face-to-face connection, which may explain why many prefer in-office or hybrid work rather than fully remote settings to reduce loneliness [3].
Another study found 36% of people aged 16–34 feel lonely at least weekly, and 11% feel lonely every day, despite 75% saying they have many friends. This illustrates a "friendship gap" where quantity of social contacts does not equate to meaningful connection [5].
Recently, a 21-year-old TikToker named Josie Stinson from Salem, Massachusetts, shared her experience at an Anti-Loneliness Club dinner. In a TikTok video that has garnered over a million views, Josie described the experience as "the most embarrassing and saddest thing" that's ever happened to her. Many internet users commented on her video, offering words of encouragement and support.
One comment read: "You put yourself out there, which is the most important step and super impressive. You made it farther than I would have." Another stated: "Honestly, this should give you a major boost of hope because it shows that the others in the group are lonely for a reason, whereas YOU are the ONLY one who actually committed to making change, and putting yourself out there. You will not be lonely long." A third comment said: "And THAT shows you why they're lonely. Head up diva, you put in more effort than anyone else."
While digital platforms can facilitate connections, many interactions are superficial, as Alderson noted. Spending hours on social media liking content on TikTok and Snapchat does not fill one's connection cup.
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The study highlights the growing disconnect among Gen-Z despite constant online interaction. As we move forward, it is crucial to find ways to bridge this gap and foster meaningful connections in the digital world.
[1] Cacioppo, J. T., et al. (2015). Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection. W.W. Norton & Company. [2] Cigna (2020). The Cigna U.S. Loneliness Index: A National Study on Adult Loneliness. [online] Available at: https://www.cigna.com/about-us/newsroom/research-studies/us-loneliness-index [3] Holt-Lunstad, J., et al. (2015). Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors for Mortality: A Meta-analytic Review. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(2), 227–237. [4] Twenge, J. M. (2017). iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy—and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood—and What That Means for the Rest of Us. Atria Books. [5] Twenge, J. M., et al. (2018). Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide rates among U.S. adolescents after 2010 and links to increased new media screen time. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(4), 347–358.
- The pervasive loneliness among Gen Z, despite their extensive technology and social media use, raises questions about the impact of technology on relationships, as even face-to-face connections seem more valuable for fostering meaningful relationships.
- Despite technology facilitating connections, the quality of interactions may be superficial, emphasizing the importance of finding ways to bridge the 'friendship gap' and foster genuine connections in the digital world, as indicated by Jessica Alderson, a relationship expert at So Syncd.
