Do you feel lonely? A global study reveals that 1 in 4 people feels lonely

Despite digital interconnection, isolation sneaks into our lives, like the friend who arrives uninvited. Did you know that nearly one in four people globally feels lonely? Shocking, isn't it?

Ferrario, an expert in behavioral economics, emphasized that not only older adults feel lonely. Young people, those who were born with a cellphone in hand, also experience this loneliness. A Gallup study from 2023 revealed that 30% of young people aged 15 to 29 feel lonely. How have we come to this?

We live in a world where applications govern our interactions. Previously, we used to go to the gym, the bar, or the office to socialize. Now, many of those interactions are reduced to text messages and video calls. Emmanuel Ferrario explained how technology, despite its benefits, has reduced the quality of our personal connections. Ironies of modern life!

In Madrid, they have come up with a creative solution: training local businesses to detect signs of isolation in their customers. This way, they can guide them towards community support networks. Wouldn't it be wonderful if this idea spread to other cities?

There is a trend in urbanism focused on making cities more human. Imagine a city with sidewalks where people stop to chat, parks filled with people enjoying the day, and common spaces that invite interaction. What dreams of urban planners!

Single-Person Households: A Lonely Future?

The increase in single-person households is another trend that doesn't help much. According to a United Nations study, by 2030, a 120% increase in people living alone is expected. Are we doomed to be islands in our own homes?

Emmanuel Ferrario concluded with a call to action. Governments must promote the creation of communities in cities. Japan and the United Kingdom have already created Ministries of Loneliness. Perhaps we should follow their example and start thinking about how our public policies can help us reconnect.

And you, how do you see the future of urban life? Can we find a balance between technology, urban design, and our human needs? The debate is on!