In a recent address, outgoing United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy highlighted a growing health issue: loneliness. In his report titled "My Parking Prescription for America," Murthy detailed the health risks associated with loneliness, which include an increased risk of heart disease, dementia, depression, anxiety, and premature death.
According to a 2021 report from the Cigna Group, 58 percent of U.S. adults are considered lonely. This figure rises significantly among younger adults aged 18 to 24, reaching 79 percent.
Illinois Tech Professor of Psychology Nicole Legate offered insights on how individuals can combat this loneliness epidemic. Legate emphasized that the quality of connections is more important than their quantity in making people feel fulfilled and less lonely.
“We need social connections. When we have them, we thrive,” says Legate. “When we don’t have them, we suffer psychologically and even physically. Having meaningful connections with others matters a lot more than the number of connections."
Legate also pointed out that these meaningful connections can be formed both online and offline. She noted that for some individuals who might face rejection or bullying in their physical communities, such as LGBTQ+ youth, finding supportive communities online can be easier.
Murthy's guidance extends beyond managing screen time; it focuses on creating environments where genuine and supportive connections can flourish.
Legate provided advice for parents navigating their teenagers' screen time use. She suggested that parents work cooperatively with their children to make decisions about online activities.
“Parents can support their kids as they navigate social media by listening to them, understanding their perspective, and collaborating with them when making decisions about their online use,” says Legate. “Ultimately, kids are going to find a way around any online controls a parent might put in place. Helping kids understand for themselves what they want to get out of social media and what they want to avoid has a better chance of being effective, especially in the long run.”