The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Monday that loneliness is responsible for at least 871,000 deaths annually worldwide.
The condition affects one in six people globally and, along with social isolation, is linked to serious physical and mental health issues.
According to a recent WHO commission report, loneliness significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and suicide. It also impacts academic and professional performance—lonely teenagers are 22% more likely to have lower grades, and adults experiencing loneliness often struggle to find or retain jobs. The broader economic consequences include billions in healthcare costs and lost productivity.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, co-chair of the commission, described loneliness as a painful, subjective feeling that arises when our need for connection exceeds our actual relationships, distinguishing it from social isolation, which he defined as an objective lack of social contact.
The report highlights that one in three older adults and one in four adolescents are socially isolated. Contributing factors include poor health, limited education, low income, living alone, and excessive reliance on digital technology.
Murthy emphasized that while humans have historically communicated through facial expressions, body language, tone, and even silence, these forms of connection are often diminished in digital interactions. Overuse of phones and social media can reduce face-to-face engagement and emotional connection.
Sweden was highlighted as a leading example in combating loneliness. According to Swedish Social Minister Jakob Forssmed, the country has introduced a national strategy that includes promoting social interaction in community spaces like shops, restaurants, and clubs. The government plans to issue prepaid cards to all children and teenagers for group leisure activities and will soon ban mobile phones in public schools—a move linked to improved social interaction, better sleep, and reduced cyberbullying.
Forssmed also noted that many children are frustrated by their parents’ constant phone use, underlining the broader societal impact of digital distractions.
While acknowledging the advantages of digital tools—such as enabling long-distance communication—the WHO stressed the importance of preserving face-to-face social spaces.
“Having places in our lives where we can interact in person, free from digital distractions, is vital to our well-being.” Murthy concluded.
