Loneliness is a growing public health threat affecting 1.5 billion people worldwide, according to a 2023 Meta-Gallup global survey. The findings, released as the World Health Organization (WHO) continues function on addressing social disconnection, highlight the pervasive nature of loneliness across all regions and age groups.
The WHO launched an international commission on social connection in November 2023, recognizing loneliness as a pressing global health threat and a defining challenge of our time. A report issued by the commission in June 2025 underscored three key messages: social disconnection is widespread, its impacts are severe, and solutions exist that should be urgently scaled up.
The health consequences of chronic loneliness and social isolation are significant. A 2023 report by the U.S. Surgeon General found that loneliness increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, and premature death. The report further stated that persistent loneliness is as detrimental to health as smoking more than half a pack of cigarettes a day, and is even worse for one’s health than being sedentary or obese.
Contributing factors to increasing levels of loneliness include societal changes, technological advancements – particularly the rise of artificial intelligence – and the social and economic disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. People are reportedly meeting in person less frequently, while self-reported feelings of connection have worsened.
The Meta-Gallup survey revealed that 24% of individuals aged 15 and older reported feeling “very lonely” or “fairly lonely” on a regular basis. An additional 27% reported feeling “a little lonely,” while 49% reported not feeling lonely at all. Those who reported feeling lonely were 36 percentage points more likely to experience sadness and 30 percentage points more likely to experience worry and stress compared to those who did not feel lonely.
Loneliness levels varied significantly by country, ranging from 45% in Comoros to 6% in Vietnam. In 22 countries, more than 30% of adults reported feeling lonely the day before the survey, with over half of those countries located in Africa.
While loneliness affects all age groups, young adults appear to be particularly vulnerable. Approximately 30% of young adults report feeling lonely daily, with around 63% experiencing significant symptoms of anxiety and depression related to loneliness. Among older adults aged 65 and older, approximately 17% report feelings of loneliness, though many face isolation due to declining health, loss of social connections, or decreased mobility.
A follow-up Gallup survey in 2024 found that 23% of respondents felt lonely “a lot of the day” the day before the survey. Approximately one in five employees worldwide reported experiencing loneliness “a lot” the previous day, with prevalence higher among those under the age of 35.
Financial status also plays a role, with individuals struggling financially being about twice as likely to report feeling lonely compared to those who are financially secure. Unmarried individuals are also more likely to experience loneliness than those who are married or in a domestic partnership.
Research indicates that a lack of community and social ties doubles the risk of mortality. A WHO report estimates that loneliness is linked to approximately 100 deaths every hour, totaling more than 871,000 deaths annually. Other consequences include shortened lifespan, cognitive decline, exacerbated mental illness, reduced sleep quality, increased stress and anxiety, unhealthy habits, and self-loathing.
Factors contributing to loneliness are both internal – such as shyness, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal – and external, including physical isolation, relocation, bereavement, divorce, physical disabilities, social exclusion, and over-reliance on social media. Even brief interactions with others, including strangers, can reduce feelings of loneliness.
Some studies suggest that interacting with AI companions may alleviate loneliness, with advocates arguing that AI chatbots could offer companionship. A study of teenagers found that one-third use AI chatbots for social interaction, and some prefer them for serious conversations, finding them more fulfilling than interactions with people. However, health experts caution against relying on AI companions, particularly among young people, warning of potential emotional connections to entities lacking empathy and care.
Joseph Chamie, a consulting demographer and former director of the United Nations Population Division, notes that managing loneliness requires a combination of behavioral changes, social intervention, and professional support, alongside stress management techniques like exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep.
