"The deep need to belong is a central human motivation!" (Baumeister & Leary, 1995)
Humans are an incredibly social species. This is one reason why we have such strong brains and advanced intelligence; to better monitor and maintain numerous relationships. Our social interactions influence how we think, act, and see ourselves, as a large part of our brain is dedicated to social cognition. Completely depriving someone of any human contact is a recognized form of torture. The need to belong is embedded in our DNA and drives us to form and maintain social bonds. But what happens when people live alone or are single? How does this affect their need to belong?
Loneliness is on the rise
According to a survey by The Economist and the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 22% of adults in the USA and 23% in the UK often or always feel lonely. Loneliness has become a growing problem that we will hear more about in the coming years.
Loneliness can make you sick
Loneliness can not only trigger psychological problems like depression and anxiety but also cause physical illnesses. Researchers at UCLA have found that social isolation triggers cellular changes that lead to chronic inflammation and predispose lonely individuals to serious physical diseases such as heart disease, stroke, metastatic cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Thus, loneliness can affect not only mental but also physical well-being.
Research findings & infographics
1. Mortality risk due to social isolation
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A meta-analysis (148 studies) shows: People with strong social relationships have a 50% higher chance of survival than those with weak connections. The effects are comparable to risk factors like smoking – and stronger than overweight or lack of exercise.
PLOS
2. Systematic review: Loneliness & Isolation in Older Adults
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A comprehensive meta-analysis (2025) found significant links between loneliness, social isolation, and increased overall mortality in older adults:
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Loneliness: Hazard Ratio (HR) ≈ 1.14
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Social isolation: HR ≈ 1.35
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Living alone: HR ≈ 1.21
PubMed
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3. Social isolation increases mortality risk
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Studies with over 1.3 million participants show: Social isolation leads to about a 33% increased risk of overall mortality (HR ≈ 1.33).
Wikipedia+11PMC+11HHS.gov+11
Additional health risks from loneliness
4. Inflammation & protein markers
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Data from the UK Biobank (approx. 42,000 participants) show: Loneliness correlates with increased protein levels associated with inflammation, higher mortality risk, as well as heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Daily Telegraph
5. Stroke risk with chronic loneliness
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A study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health shows in older adults: People who were lonely over a longer period have a 56% higher risk of stroke.
PubMed+6PMC+6New York Post+6
Recommendations & assessments of public authorities
6. WHO: Loneliness as a risk factor like smoking
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The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies social isolation and loneliness as serious threats to physical and mental health.
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Loneliness can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, dementia, depression, anxiety, and premature death – comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
HHS.gov+1
The New World of Single Individuals
More and more people consciously choose to live alone or are single for various reasons. For these people, it is especially important to fulfill their needs for belonging and social interaction in other ways. But how can they do that?
Social Interaction in the Digital World
The internet and social media offer single individuals the opportunity to connect with others and build social relationships. The digital world provides numerous platforms where people with similar interests come together and exchange ideas. The internet also makes it possible to connect with people who are geographically far away. Thus, the digital world offers many opportunities for social interaction and belonging.
Real-Life Interactions
Although the digital world offers many opportunities to maintain social interactions, single individuals should not forget that real interactions are just as important. It is important that they also establish and maintain social contacts outside the digital world. This can be done by participating in local groups or events where they can meet people with similar interests and exchange ideas with them.
The need for belonging and social interaction is a basic human need. Loneliness can affect both mental and physical well-being. But single individuals also have the opportunity to fulfill their needs for belonging and social interaction. In the modern world, there are many different types of communities and social networks that offer single individuals the chance to build relationships and friendships without relying on a romantic relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What risks are associated with chronic loneliness?
Chronic loneliness increases the risk of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders as well as physical ailments like heart disease and a weakened immune system.
How can those affected find support?
Those affected can find support through psychological counseling services, self-help groups, or community activities to build social contacts and combat loneliness.
Why is it important to talk openly about the feeling of loneliness?
Talking openly about loneliness helps reduce stigma, promote understanding, and show ways to help those affected overcome social isolation.
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