Social isolation is an important global problem. According to available sources including newspapers, around two-thirds of adults in the United States are experiencing social isolation. Along with adults, many youths are socially isolated in the United States. Moreover, social isolation, which indicates the absence of social contact or a state of being cut-off from social networks totally or partially for a long period, does not exist in the United States only. Many are socially isolated in developed, developing and less developed countries in the world. Though it is difficult to say the exact percentage of socially isolated people, it can be assumed that it is high enough that makes it a growing concern in the world, though it reduced in the unofficial post-pandemic period.
It is pertinent to note that there are many negative consequences of social isolation. It affects physical health, mental health, economic conditions and social aspects. It is associated with higher mortality, heart disease and some other physical health problems. Social isolation sometimes results in suicide. No doubt, many isolated from families and friends commit suicide each year in the world. In terms of mental health, it is associated with depression, anxiety, poor sleep quality and some other mental health consequences. In terms of economic and other aspects, social isolation also results in decreased economic productivity and social position. But social isolation especially when it results in the loneliness of many in a country leads to lower economic growth. Moreover, the life satisfaction of people living alone is lower.
No doubt, there are many social, economic, psychological, political, cultural and other causes for staying at home for lengthy periods of time, having no access to services or community involvement and little or no communication with friends, family and acquaintances that need to be noted here. Among the causes, the loss of mobility, physical and mental health problems, unemployment and economic struggles and transportation problems are some important causes of social isolation. Adverse economic conditions prevent many from the type of social interactions especially which are meaningful to them. Moreover, an introverted personality is associated with social isolation. Notably, social isolation is a notable problem for many introvert people, though many introverts can be also very outgoing and sociable.
No less important is that suffering from an embarrassing condition or social stigma is another important cause. Many people isolate themselves to avoid social interactions due to social stigma. Besides, political repression, imposed restrictions, the excessive use of social media and domestic violence are important causes. Of course, discrimination and racism are often rendered as notable causes. Many people discriminated against based on race and other criteria can feel excluded in both their interpersonal relationships and at the societal level resulting in the reduction of social interaction. But it is to note that the causes of social isolation, which is more common in middle-income and high-income countries compared with low-income countries, are not the same across countries and do not affect countries equally.
In the efforts to reduce social isolation in the world, the focus is currently given mostly to program based awareness measures and the reduction of mental effects with counseling services. But such efforts are not as available as needed. Since its causes are diverse, such efforts, moreover, are unable to desirably reduce social isolation. To prevent social isolation, all the causes including economic deserve to be addressed. Enhanced social support and increased access to social interactions including participating in social activities and events are important. Addressing barriers to forming and maintaining social networks is also needed. In this respect, the development of social skills is imperative. It is also important to raise awareness of loneliness and address social isolation through well-planned interventions and advocacy.
No less important is that the positive roles of family, relatives and friends are important to reduce social isolation. But efforts also need to be made by those who are isolated to increasingly communicate with friends, families and others. In this respect, some tactics including staying active and staying in touch with near and dear ones can help to reduce social isolation. But social interactions with groups and communities that are meaningful need to be given importance for not only increasing social interaction but also reducing loneliness and improving well-being.
