Study explores why our discussions about solitude may be increasing our feelings of loneliness

In an age of extreme connectivity, loneliness has been labeled a worldwide epidemic with serious ramifications for both mental and physical health. Initiatives in public health and discussions in the media have long aimed to address this issue—but could they potentially be worsening the situation?

New findings from the University of Michigan unveil an intriguing contradiction: The manner in which media portrays solitude—despite good intentions—might intensify feelings of loneliness by adversely affecting individuals’ views on being alone.

An in-depth examination of 144 articles from prominent U.S. newspapers, released between 2020 and 2022, reveals a notable pattern: Solitude is predominantly represented as a detrimental, if not perilous, condition. Reports are ten times more likely to frame being alone as detrimental rather than advantageous.

“Widespread societal discourse regarding the risks of solitude might be bringing about more damage than benefit,” commented lead author and U-M graduate student in social psychology Micaela Rodriguez. “This study emphasizes the necessity for media organizations and public health initiatives to clearly differentiate between being alone and experiencing loneliness—as well as to recognize that alone time, which is an unavoidable component of everyday life, can sometimes be advantageous.”

Employing stringent longitudinal research methods, this article in Nature Communications—marking the first comprehensive critique of how American media represents solitude—determines that individuals who consider being alone as harmful are likely to feel lonelier after spending time by themselves in daily settings. Conversely, those with a more optimistic outlook on solitude not only experience less loneliness in the same circumstances but also report feeling more positive overall.

“Loneliness isn’t solely about our connections with others—it’s equally about our relationship with our solitary time,” stated co-author Ethan Kross, a U-M professor of psychology. “Our findings suggest that cultivating a perspective that values time alone can not only shield individuals from feeling lonely but also enhance positive experiences of solitude that contribute to well-being.”

The results challenge the assumption that solitude is fundamentally negative and imply that societal narratives highlighting the threats of being alone may actually be counterproductive, potentially deepening feelings of discomfort during solitary moments.

“Our research opens up fresh avenues to tackle the so-called ‘loneliness epidemic,’” Kross noted, also a faculty associate at U-M’s Institute for Social Research. “Besides encouraging individuals to forge meaningful relationships, we should guide them in nurturing a healthier, more affirmative relationship with solitude.”

A global issue with extensive ramifications

This phenomenon extends beyond a single culture. The research team gathered data from nine countries across six continents, including Brazil, South Africa, the U.K., Japan, Mexico, Spain, Australia, and Poland. The outcomes indicate that views on solitude consistently influence how individuals experience loneliness on a global scale, showcasing that our mindset regarding solitude determines whether it feels isolating or rejuvenating.

“These results resonate across diverse cultures—from nations like Mexico and Brazil, where there is significant emphasis on community and family, to countries such as Japan and the U.K., where governments have appointed ‘loneliness ministers’ to help combat isolation,” Rodriguez observed. “Moreover, it’s noteworthy that—across numerous nations—individuals who spend substantial time alone benefit the most from holding positive beliefs about solitude.”

Leaders in public health, including the World Health Organization and former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, have cautioned that loneliness poses a severe health risk, linking it to depression, cardiovascular disorders, and even premature death.

Nevertheless, this new research introduces an essential distinction—being alone isn’t inherently problematic. In fact, solitude can be a wellspring of personal development, creativity, and emotional rejuvenation when approached with the correct mindset, according to the researchers.

“We were most astonished to discover that individuals who perceive solitude as a positive experience do not merely endure being alone—they actually find greater satisfaction after spending solitary time in their everyday lives,” Rodriguez remarked. “This challenges the prevalent belief that solitude unavoidably results in loneliness and other adverse effects. Crucially, it suggests that solitude can be an asset—if we interpret it as such.”

Rethinking Loneliness

Current public health messages predominantly advocate for social engagement as a remedy for loneliness. However, this study proposes a complementary perspective: rather than exclusively promoting social connections, we should also encourage healthier beliefs regarding solitude.

Altering public discussions to acknowledge the potential advantages of alone time may empower individuals to experience solitude in a new light.

“Most interventions aimed at reducing loneliness concentrate on assisting individuals in engaging with others and forming social bonds,” Rodriguez stated. “While this strategy can be beneficial, it is not always successful in alleviating loneliness—because being alone and feeling lonely represent distinct experiences.”

“Our findings uncover another possible route to reduce loneliness: assisting people in cultivating a healthier, more positive relationship with their solitude. We are currently exploring an intervention aimed at helping lonely individuals reframe their perspectives on being alone to enhance well-being and mitigate loneliness.”