Feeling Lonely? Too Much Time On Social Media May Be Why
It's not clear whether spending a lot of time on Facebook, Snapchat or Instagram leads to social isolation, or whether the lonely seek solace in social media.
loneliness
Easing Old People's Loneliness Can Help Keep Them Healthy
Little Brothers, which operates in San Francisco and several other cities, sends volunteers to brighten up the lives of isolated elderly people, helping them reduce the risk of serious illness.
Hospital Companions Can Ease Isolation For Older People
Loneliness and social isolation can affect health for the worse. A California hospital is training volunteers to provide companionship and friendly assistance.
Loneliness May Warp Our Genes, And Our Immune Systems
Loneliness takes a toll on many aspects of health, in part because it activates a fight -or-flight immune response. That may have helped ancestors survive lonely exile, but can slowly kill us today.
Those Phone-Obsessed Teenagers Aren't As Lonely As You Think
Teenagers may not need as much face-to-face interaction as earlier generations to feel connected. And that may explain why a study finds they're not feeling as lonely, either.
Maybe Isolation, Not Loneliness, Shortens Life
Loneliness and isolation often go hand in hand, so teasing out which factor is harder on health isn't easy. But a British study now suggests that, while loneliness may make you unhappy, it's social isolation that could take years off of your life. Discuss (with a friend).