In the U.S., loneliness and social isolation are major problems that harm people’s and society’s health. When a person is lonely, they feel left out or disconnected from other people. When they’re socially isolated, they have very few people to talk to or depend on.
People who experience ongoing loneliness and social isolation are more likely to have health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety.
To make these conditions worse, Individuals who are socially isolated may also have trouble getting healthcare, especially if they live far from providers or don’t have/can’t afford safe transportation. They often have low trust in the healthcare system, too.
All of this can lead to early death and what scientists call “weathering.” Weathering (also known as the “allostatic load”) is the stress that builds up over time from facing challenges every day without a break.
How bad are loneliness and social isolation? According to the U.S. Surgeon General, half of all adults say they feel lonely. And it’s not just elders who are impacted the most. Even teens and young adults, who are always “connected” by social media, feel more and more isolated and alone. “That’s because digital connection (just like in-person connection), doesn’t always translate into positive connection — especially when the interactions are shallow, comparison-driven, or hurtful,” says University of Pittsburgh’s Dr. César Escobar-Viera.
DR. ESCOBAR-VIERA
Dr. Escobar-Viera is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral and Community Health Sciences and head of Pitt’s PRIDE iM lab. He studies the influence of social media on mental health and develops technology-based interventions to reduce mental health disparities in LGBTQ+ teens and young people. “People can be surrounded by texts, videos, and posts, but still lack meaningful relationships,” he says. “Technology can fragment attention and deepen social isolation when it’s not designed or used with care.”
Dr. Escobar-Viera and his team study how social media support affects young people, especially LGBTQ+ youth who are at higher risk for developing poor physical and mental health, dues to things like discrimination, racism, and lack of healthcare access.
In a recent study that lasted about a year, PRIDE iM researchers asked teens and young adults a series of questions about how they felt online and in real life. “What we found is that when these young people felt supported on social media, they had fewer signs of depression,” Dr. Escobar-Viera says. “We believe the key is to use social media in smarter, more humane-centered ways.”
That good news gives hope to researchers and at-risk people who suffer from loneliness and social isolation. That includes not only LGBTQ+ teens and young people, but also elders, people who live with disabilities or chronic illness, racial and ethnic minorities, veterans, people who live in rural areas, and individuals who are experiencing homelessness.
The solution to more human-centered technology is co-creating initiatives via partnerships between community-based organizations and researchers. “The best results happen when community voices lead the way,” says Dr. Escobar-Viera. “Examples include everything from neighborhood walking clubs and social cafes to tech-enabled peer support networks that reflect the community’s values and lived experiences,” he adds.
The PRIDE iM lab has been working on developing these types of tools for years with community organizations like Casa-San Jose and Hugh Lane. “What we’ve learned is that listening to and incorporating community voices throughout the development process leads to more engaging tools,” he says. “When tools are inclusive, accessible, and empowering, they have a better chance of increasing perceptions of social support and connectedness.”
Important steps in the process of creating thoughtful technology and putting it into action include:
Helping community health workers use digital tools to find and support isolated people
Making sure programs reflect local knowledge and culture
Building safe online spaces where people can talk, learn, and share
Sharing research findings with the people who are affected — not just scientists
Including at-risk community members as leaders, not just participants
When used this way, technology can help people feel less lonely and socially isolated. “Things like AI chat companions, text check-ins, online support groups, apps that offer safe places to talk, or video chats for older adults have been shown to make people feel more connected, says Dr. Escobar-Viera. “Technology can’t replace the value of human connection, but it can make a positive difference in health outcomes — if it’s designed with and for the people most impacted.”
In today’s world, where connection is both more needed and harder to find, Dr. Escobar-Viera feels we must use every tool, including smart technology, to build real belonging. “That means working with at-risk communities who are most affected to make sure the support is real, lasting, and rooted in dignity and care,” he says.
About Post Author
