The actual pandemic seems to be the most obvious reason for the epidemic of loneliness. However, even before then, people used to risk their lives just to gather with friends despite all the warnings and punishments. When the restrictions were lifted, everyone was happy to be among people in their community.

But we still feel lonely even without enforced social distancing. Are we distancing ourselves voluntarily? 

The Problem of Social Isolation

Recent research on the state of loneliness and social isolation found: 

34% of adults in Australia were lonely, with 21% experiencing episodic loneliness and 13% experiencing chronic loneliness.

In the United States, 43% of adults felt they lacked companionship, 43% felt that their relationships were not meaningful, 43% felt isolated from others, and 39% no longer felt close to anyone.

In Australia, 17% of the general population were classified as socially isolated, with 13% experiencing episodic isolation and 4% experiencing chronic isolation. 

Social Media

While social media gives us such a sought after feeling of being with people, communication, staying in touch, actually it is isolating us from one another. The internet can be a great tool for connection if used right, but in this case, it requires effort and awareness.  

You easily might get sucked into a community by an algorithm. It only takes a couple of clicks and here you are, consumed by a new idea that seems to solves so many of your problems.

Most probably, it’s based on hate and putting people down. Finding a community that is aligned with your values and views, that is based on positive ideas, takes effort.  

Creating Community

I recently discovered a new thing for me – creating communities.

Once you fall into a rabbit hole of depressive short videos it might seem that you’re the only sane person in this world. Especially if you happen not to have family and friends who are on the same page as you.

But if you step forward and speak up online, or gather people offline, or maybe just reach out to somebody who has the same views as you (or literally just posted something relatable, easy as that!), you’ll see it’s much easier to find that sense of connection than you thought.

Come and join us at Karma Kommunity

we hold regular gatherings on the Island of Bali.