Almost a Quarter of the World Feels Lonely

Loneliness has emerged as a significant global public health issue, affecting nearly a quarter of the world’s population. According to a groundbreaking global survey conducted by Gallup, a United States-based analytics and advisory company, 23% of participants report feeling lonely most of the time.

This sentiment is linked to serious physical and mental health consequences, including an increased likelihood of experiencing sadness, anger, and stress.

The Global Landscape of Loneliness

Gallup’s first global survey on loneliness highlights that loneliness is not a uniform experience across regions or demographics. The survey revealed that loneliness levels vary significantly by country and age group, with individuals over 50 more likely to report loneliness except in countries like China and the United States, where younger adults report higher loneliness levels. Estonia, Vietnam, Kosovo, and Kazakhstan have some of the lowest reported loneliness rates, with only one in ten individuals feeling lonely.

These findings are particularly noteworthy given the decades of technological advancements, such as social media, designed to enhance connectivity but which may not replace the depth of face-to-face interactions.

Technological Impact on Loneliness and Mental Health

While technological advancements facilitate unprecedented levels of communication, they are not without downsides. Indications suggest that phone addiction and excessive social media usage contribute to mental health issues, including unhappiness and loneliness.

In 2023, US Surgeon-General Dr. Vivek Murthy expressed concerns about social media’s harmful effects, particularly on younger users. He also warned of a broader “loneliness epidemic” in the US, linking it to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, dementia, depression, and premature death. The World Health Organization (WHO) echoed these concerns, listing loneliness as a health issue in late 2023.

Demographics and Social Changes Contributing to Loneliness

In wealthier nations, demographic shifts and social changes have exacerbated loneliness. Shrinking family sizes and the tendency to place older adults in care facilities instead of familial care are contributing factors. Harvard researchers have found that chronic loneliness in those over 50 increases the risk of stroke by 56%.

To combat loneliness, countries like Japan, South Korea, and the US have introduced robot companions for the elderly. Recent advancements propose the integration of AI bots into these robots to enhance companionship, although a survey indicated that workers using AI felt lonelier and had difficulty sleeping.

Loneliness in Malaysia and Southeast Asia

A joint global survey by Meta and Gallup, which interviewed 1,000 respondents each from 142 countries, found that 14% of Malaysians feel “very or fairly” lonely. The survey, conducted between June 2022 and February 2023, shows that 16% of Malaysian men and 13% of women report loneliness.

This percentage aligns with neighboring Singapore, where 14% also report loneliness, although Singaporean women report slightly higher loneliness rates than men. Comparatively, 10% of Thais and 9% of Indonesians express similar feelings of loneliness.

Despite these figures, Malaysia fares better in terms of feeling supported, with 39% of respondents reporting feeling “very supported.” This is slightly lower than Singapore (41%) but higher than Indonesia and Thailand (35%).

Feeling socially supported correlates with reduced experiences of physical pain and stress, highlighting the importance of social connections for well-being. In terms of connectivity, 64% of Malaysians feel “very or fairly” connected to others, with a slightly higher percentage of men (67%) than women (62%) reporting this sentiment. Indonesia and Singapore rank higher in connectivity, with 77% and 73%, respectively.

Loneliness Among Malaysian Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Recent data from the Malaysia Ageing and Retirement Survey, conducted between 2020 and 2022, reveals that loneliness significantly affects middle-aged and older Malaysians, with 24% of respondents expressing loneliness. The survey highlights a gender disparity, with 28% of women and 19% of men experiencing loneliness.

Factors contributing to higher loneliness rates include living alone, lack of social support, and health issues. Females over 60 are more likely to be widowed or​ divorced, contributing to higher loneliness rates. Additionally, cultural norms impact loneliness levels among different ethnic groups, with Indian and indigenous Sabah and Sarawak people experiencing higher loneliness rates than Chinese or Malays.

A Global Call to Address Loneliness

The findings from these various studies and surveys underscore the profound impact of loneliness on individuals’ mental and physical health worldwide. While technological advancements offer ways to connect, they cannot replace the emotional depth of personal interactions. The global community must address the root causes of loneliness, whether through fostering social connections, rethinking elder care, or moderating technology use.

As loneliness continues to pose a significant public health challenge, proactive measures are necessary to mitigate its effects and enhance the quality of life for all individuals.