Loneliness

Uncommon card · No. 120069

Loneliness is an unpleasant emotional response to perceived or actual social isolation. Loneliness has been described as social pain, a psychological mechanism that motivates individuals to seek social connections. The causes of loneliness are varied. Loneliness can be a result of systemic issues, genetic inheritance, cultural factors, a lack of meaningful relationships, a significant loss, an excessive reliance on passive technologies (particularly the Internet in the 21st century), and a self-perpetuating mindset. Research has demonstrated that loneliness is ubiquitous in society, including among people in marriages along with other strong relationships and those with successful careers. Most people suffer temporary loneliness at some points in their lives, with about one in six of the world's population experiencing significant long-term loneliness. Adolescents tend to experience the highest levels of loneliness; in later years it tends to decrease. This is in contrast with social...

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