Highlights

• Social Connection 100 deaths every hour due to lack of, revealed in WHO report
• Teen and young adults suffer the most loneliness
• The highest rate of loneliness in African and South Asian regions
• Social isolation is making a profound impact on mental health
• Digital technology and online dialogue is increasing loneliness

Global epidemic of loneliness: Death due to lack of social connections

The latest report of the World Health Organization (WHO) has shown a shocking mirror to the world. According to the report, one in every six person is struggling with a sense of loneliness, and this serious social problem is no longer limited to mental health, but every hour Social Connection About 100 deaths are being recorded due to lack of.

8.71 lakh deaths from 2014 to 2023: an ignorant crisis

Between 2014 and 2023 Social Connection There have been about 8.71 lakh deaths to lack and social separation. This figure is proof that loneliness has now become a global public health disaster, but a global public health disaster.

This report of WHO first recognizes this problem globally and keeps it in the same category such as smoking, obesity and intoxication.

What is Social Connection and why is it necessary?

Definition and importance

According to WHO, Social Connection That is the process through which people connect with each other emotionally, mentally and physically. This includes family relations, friendship, community engagement and digital connections.

Social Connection Not only improves mental health, but it is also helpful in reducing high life expectancy, better immunity, and depression and anxiety.

What does research say?

Many researches have proved that strong Social Connection People holding have a low risk of diseases like heart attack, stroke and dementia. At the same time, people who are socially isolated for a long time increase the mortality to 30%.

Why is the youth most affected?

13-29 years old youth lonely

The WHO report suggests that the loneliness rate in teenagers aged 13–17 is 20.9%, while in 18–29 years of young adults this rate is up to 17.4%. The biggest reason for this is to spend excessive time in the digital world, lack of deep personal relations, and competitive lifestyle.

Screen time and virtual relationship effect

Today’s generation is playing most of its social relations on digital mediums, but it Social Connection Is a superficial form of. The youth are feeling more lonely due to lack of participation in real life. Excessive screen time can lead to depression and anxiety as well as suicidal ideas.

Globally loneliness

Where is the most effect of loneliness?

• African region: 24% people victims of loneliness
• South-East Asia: 18%
• Eastern Mediterranean Area: 21%
• Europe: lowest – 10%

This situation is more serious in low -income countries, where social structures are already weak and Social Connection Opportunities for are limited.

Social structure weakness is also the reason

Conditions like poverty, single lifestyle, migration, war and disaster also promote social isolation. WHO has clarified that people feel more connected in countries where social and community structures are strong and lonely.

The main reason behind loneliness

What are we doing wrong?

The WHO report has described many factors as the root cause of loneliness:

1. Poor Health – Diseases and physical disability limits social engagement
2. Low income & education – Less resources reduce the possibility of social participation
3. Digital disconnection – Lack of real relationships in online world
4. Lack of public infrastructure – Park, library, absence of community centers
5. Negative online interactions – Cyberbulling, comparison, and online neglect

Effect on mental and physical health

From depression to heart disease

Social Connection Lack of mental health has a profound effect. Loneliness not only brings sadness, it also changes the chemical structure of the brain.

• Depression and anxiety probability increases by 60%
• Sleep disturbances and suicides increase
• 29% higher risk of heart disease and high blood pressure
• The immune system weakens, which increases the chances of infection

What is the solution? How to increase Social Connection?

Measures to increase social engagement

1. Changes in public policies – Governments should promote community programs and engagement based schemes
2. Awareness at school and college level – Mental health education should be made compulsory for youth class
3. Digital platform positive use – Use technology for social good
4. Community program for elderly – Connection centers and activities for senior citizens
5. Personal initiative of every person – Talk to the neighbor, call friends, participate in community activities

Connection is life

It is ironic that in an era where everyone has mobile and internet, people are more alone than before. Social Connection It is not just to talk to anyone, this is a life formula that keeps us mentally and physically healthy.

This WHO report has given a warning to the world – if we still did not give priority to social engagement, then we will have to suffer it for generations.