How Technology and Loneliness are Interlinked

Published On Nov 10, 2024, 5:01 AM

A recent study led by Harvard researcher Laura Marciano involving 500 teenagers indicates a troubling link between technology usage and loneliness. Despite heavy use of social media, over half of the participants reported not speaking to anyone in the last hour, suggesting that technology may contribute to social isolation. This aligns with broader trends showing that Americans feel more detached and experience increased loneliness compared to two decades ago. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has labeled loneliness an epidemic, attributing part of this phenomenon to the rise of smartphones and social media, which have altered communication norms and led to less genuine social interactions.