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Loneliness in Modern Society: Why Are We Becoming Increasingly Lonely Despite Being More Connected Than Ever?

8 minutes ago

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Modern technology allows us to connect with people around the world at any time. Nevertheless, loneliness remains a significant social issue, affecting mental health, quality of life and the economy. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 16% of the global population, or one in six people, experienced loneliness between 2014 and 2023. The highest rates were recorded among adolescents and young adults. These figures suggest that technological connectivity alone does not guarantee meaningful or high-quality interpersonal relationships. (Source: WHO, From Loneliness to Social Connection, 2025).

The Scale of Loneliness in Modern Society

A 2022 European Commission survey found that 13% of respondents across the European Union had felt lonely most or all of the time during the four weeks preceding the survey, while 35% had experienced loneliness at least occasionally. The results varied across countries and population groups. Factors such as relationship quality, significant life events and socio-economic circumstances also played an important role. (Source: European Commission, Joint Research Centre).

An OECD report published in October 2025 found that people in many European countries have been meeting in person less frequently for more than a decade, while the volume of remote communication has increased. Between 2018 and 2022, some countries also experienced a decline in perceived social support and satisfaction with personal relationships. These findings do not establish digital technology as a direct cause of loneliness. However, they indicate that greater opportunities for communication do not necessarily translate into more face-to-face interaction. (Source: OECD, Social Connections and Loneliness in OECD Countries, 2025).

The Impact of Digitalisation on Interpersonal Relationships

One possible scenario involves the continued expansion of digital communication without a corresponding development of meaningful personal relationships.

Individuals may maintain a large number of online connections while having fewer opportunities for meaningful conversations, mutual support and active participation in their communities. Such an environment may increase the risk of social isolation and mental health difficulties, particularly among those who already have limited close personal relationships.

An alternative scenario focuses on complementing digital tools with face-to-face interaction. Online platforms can make it easier for people to connect, but organisations, businesses and local communities must also create opportunities for direct interaction and collaboration. The OECD notes that positive workplace relationships are associated with greater job satisfaction, creativity and work performance, while loneliness is associated with poorer employment outcomes. These are correlations rather than evidence that loneliness itself directly causes lower productivity.

The Role of Businesses in Promoting Social Connection

Businesses can contribute to stronger social connections by creating working environments in which employees are not merely colleagues but also members of a supportive community. This involves regular in-person meetings, cross-departmental collaboration, mentoring, the integration of new employees and access to appropriate support. In remote working environments, it is particularly important for organisations to make a deliberate effort to maintain meaningful relationships rather than limiting communication exclusively to work-related tasks.

Local communities, educational institutions and business associations can also organise events, workshops and activities that encourage interaction and collaboration. The objective is not to replace personal relationships with technology, but to use technology as a means of making it easier to establish and maintain them.

The Broader Social Significance of Interpersonal Relationships

Loneliness is not merely a personal concern but a broader social challenge with health, social and economic consequences. Available data indicate that face-to-face interactions are declining in many settings, although they do not support the conclusion that loneliness is increasing everywhere or continuously. It will therefore be important to monitor the quality of relationships rather than simply the number of people with whom we are connected.

The society of the future will not be successful solely because of faster networks and more advanced technology. It will also depend on whether people have opportunities to build meaningful relationships, support one another and develop a sense of belonging. This is precisely where the difference lies between being reachable and being genuinely connected.

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