Gen Z is the new loneliness hotspot
Loneliness has long been assumed to be a symptomatic byproduct of ageing. But the data of 2025 begs to differ and points towards a different angle. According to a global survey by NIVEA, across 13 countries, 24% of those aged between 16–24 are most likely to feel isolated, considerably larger than the 19% global average for all adults. The same report reveals a more glaring issue of stigma surrounding alienation. 56% of people who feel lonely are incapable of asking for help and continue to remain mum even as their distress aggravates. And yet this pervasive issue doesn't stop here; it continues to echo in the Global State of Social Connections study. It has taken a toll on over 25% of the age bracket 15-28 who have severe loneliness, rising to 27% for ages 19-29, compared to just 17% for adults over 65.
Social media is touted as the primary accelerant for making it into a chronic illness. Using it for over two hours a day is perceived to double the risk of social isolation. As Dr Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General, remarks, “Platforms like Instagram and TikTok promise 'connection' but offer superficial engagement. You can't scroll through a feed and know someone.” Young adults are living in a simulation of digital relationships, economic uncertainty and online culture that demands constant connectedness but fails to deliver any actual connection.
The Middle Age isn’t immune
Loneliness isn’t exclusive to the youth; it has found common ground with middle-aged adults. An ASU study led an analysis of long-term datasets found that Americans aged 45-46 are lonelier than their peers from Israel and Europe, with baby boomers showing the highest levels of solitude. Even Gen X is slowly pivoting in the same direction as Gen Z and might just go further.
All the numbers allude to the fact that this generation is emotionally unavailable most of the time and falls under the pressure of career, child support and caregiving for aged parents. On the contrary, countries with strong social safety nets score low in terms of isolation, suggesting that the environment influences behavior. In a hyperconnected 2025, the most disconnected groups from reality are the ones trying to live up to expectations without any support.
Is Individualism the reason for loneliness?
Americans aren’t oblivious to the factors contributing to loneliness; in fact, they are outright pointing out the causes. Harvard’s Making Caring Common survey observes that 73% of Americans feel technology is widening the gap of isolation. While 66% attribute the lack of family time, and 62% believe that people are simply overworked and tired or busy. The number also highlights deeper cultural factors in play: 58% presume that America has become too individualistic, and the bond that tethers a sense of community has weakened.
Moreover, Mental health issues are inseparably linked with solitude- 60% hold mental health problems as a corrosive factor for declining relationships, creating a toxic dynamic where emotional strain and isolation reinforce each other. Policymakers have been urged to view this as a societal issue, suggesting that infrastructure and systematic support are equally important as personal networks. The message in the sand is clear: to tackle loneliness, safe, accessible public spaces must be built, community-oriented time should be encouraged, and work and tech cultures should be reshaped because connection isn’t just personal, it’s structural.