Is there really a global loneliness epidemic? Research reveals a more complex picture

Justin Paget/Getty Images Few human experiences are as universal – or as poorly understood – as loneliness. More than just a blue feeling and the inspiration for countless songs, it’s linked to poorer wellbeing, worse mental and physical health and a higher risk of early death. Even in the age of social media, we hear of loneliness being on the rise everywhere – to the extent that some have labelled it an epidemic. To build a better picture, we analysed responses to the Gallup World Poll from…