Loneliness: Deadlier Than Smoking
We might be living in the most digitally connected time period in history, but having many friends on social media does not always equal feeling connected in real life!
Loneliness: Deadlier Than Smoking
We might be living in the most digitally connected time period in history, but having many friends on social media does not always equal feeling connected in real life!
In fact, many young adults are feeling more isolated than ever. Recent studies have found that loneliness is in fact, more dangerous than lack of physical activity, smoking, or even drinking alcohol.
Let’s dive in on what the experts are saying..
Killing By The Hour
The World Health Organization and United Nations reported that roughly 100 people die every hour over loneliness related causes. That is nearly 900,000 people a year (871,000 people per year to be exact). This, coupled with New York Post’s findings that 1 in 6 people feel lonelier than ever is sure to raise alarm bells.
What makes this even more concerning is that loneliness doesn’t just affect the mind—it takes a serious toll on physical health too.
Chronic loneliness increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and even premature death. It can weaken the immune system, raise inflammation levels in the body, and disrupt sleep—making us more vulnerable to illness over time.
In fact, researchers have likened the health risks of prolonged social isolation to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. That’s how powerful and dangerous the absence of human connection can be.
Getting to the Root Cause
VICE reports that loneliness is outpacing most diseases in increasing mortality rate. Among the factors they cited were:
1. Poor health
Those who are bedridden or confined in nursing homes due to old age are less likely to have physical contact with relatives and friends, thus increasing the isolation factor.
2. Economic insecurity
Travelling long distances to meet with friends can be costly, especially with those on a tight budget. Lower income individuals tend to stay at home more.
3. Education gaps
Many people still view discussing mental health as a stigma or a taboo, lowering the chances they might confide in others over their loneliness.
4. Living alone
Individuals may live alone due to lack of job opportunities in their place of origin, or due to estranged or deceased family members.
5. Lack of walkable spaces
Those living in high-rise apartments or crammed, improperly planned cities may be unable to take time off to walk outside. This decreases their ability to socialize.
6. Lack of third-spaces
"Third spaces" (or "third places") are social environments that exist outside of the home (first place) and work/school (second place)—they are informal public gathering places where people can connect, build relationships, and feel a sense of community. As the world becomes more digitized, past hangout spots like cafes, clubs and outdoor courts become less popular.
A Social Contagion
The Harvard Gazette recently did an interview with Tyler J. VanderWeele, Ph.D., a researcher in epidemiology and social sciences, to get his expert take on the subject.
According to VanderWeele, social isolation and community disengagement have been on the rise for decades, with fewer people attending religious services, social activities, community services, and more individuals living alone.
While loneliness and isolation often go hand-in-hand, they aren’t the same: some may feel fulfilled with minimal social contact, while others can feel lonely even in crowds.
VanderWeele also notes that loneliness can be contagious spread through social networks — spending time with lonely individuals may increase your own feelings of loneliness.
Why Loneliness is So Dangerous
Unlike physical illnesses, loneliness does not show up in readings or X-rays. Therefore, those who feel isolated are unable to simply get a medical diagnosis. They are only able to get a reading on the symptoms of loneliness, such as inflammation, diabetes, or lowered morale.
There are countless testimonies, highlighted in the New York Post, of people who seem to “have it all”: friends, career, family, wealth; yet they still suffer in silence.
This can be especially painful if the person undergoing loneliness does not have an outlet or a support system.
What’s Being Done to Fight the Loneliness Epidemic
Thankfully, leaders around the world are starting to take loneliness seriously.
In June 2025, the United Nations launched a major effort to recognize loneliness as a public health threat.
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy and the World Health Organization (WHO) are calling it a “global epidemic of disconnection.”
The WHO is now working with countries to build better support systems. This includes creating safe public spaces, improving mental health awareness, and helping people—especially the elderly, youth, and refugees—feel more connected.
The focus is shifting from just treating the effects of loneliness to preventing it in the first place. More and more, experts agree: loneliness isn’t just a personal problem—it’s a public one. And fixing it may be key to a healthier, more connected world.
Sources:
New York Post: Here is the heartbreaking epidemic that’s killing 100 people an hour
The Harvard Gazette: How social isolation, loneliness can shorten life
United Nations: Every hour, 100 people die of loneliness-related causes, UN health agency reports
The Conversation: Is loneliness really as damaging to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day?
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