Loneliness Poses Growing Health, Economic Risks: WHO

One in six people globally is affected by loneliness, with significant consequences for health and well-being, according to a new report by WHO. Findings link loneliness to more than 871,000 deaths annually, equivalent to nearly 100 deaths every hour.

“In this Report, we pull back the curtain on loneliness and isolation as a defining challenge of our time,” says Vivek Murthy, Co-Chair, WHO Commission on Social Connection. “Our Commission lays out a road map for how we can build more connected lives and underscores the profound impact this can have on health, educational, and economic outcomes.”

The report highlights the growing recognition of loneliness and social isolation as risk factors comparable to traditional public health concerns such as smoking or obesity. It defines social connection as the quantity and quality of people’s relationships, while distinguishing loneliness as a subjective emotional state and social isolation as an objective lack of interaction, explains the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 

Loneliness and isolation have been linked to elevated risks of stroke, heart disease, dementia, depression, and early death. WHO notes that people who are lonely are twice as likely to experience depression, and adolescents who feel lonely are 22% more likely to receive lower grades. Adults may also see reduced employment prospects and lower income.

The commission's findings follow the May 2025 resolution by the World Health Assembly that called on member states to prioritize social connection as part of their public health strategies. WHO also launched a global awareness campaign, “Knot Alone,” and introduced the Social Connection Series to examine lived experiences of isolation.

According to the report, young people and residents of low and middle-income countries are among the most affected. About 24% of people in low-income nations report feeling lonely, double the rate in high-income nations. Adolescents are also vulnerable, with up to 21% reporting loneliness, especially in the age range of 13–19.

The World Happiness Report 2025 supports these concerns, and documents a global trend toward increased loneliness, especially among young people. In 2023, 19% of young adults worldwide reported lacking anyone to rely on for social support, representing a 39% increase since 2006. 

The report notes that perceptions of social indifference may not match reality, and highlights that people living alone are significantly less happy than those living with others, as happiness increases with household size, up to four people, before declining. Latin American societies, noted for larger households and strong family bonds, are cited as examples of how familial structures can contribute to sustainable well-being.

While digital tools offer new ways to stay connected, the report cautions that increased screen time and negative online interactions may erode meaningful relationships, particularly among adolescents. “In this age when the possibilities to connect are endless, more and more people are finding themselves isolated and lonely,” says Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO.

Analysts such as Jonathan Haidt and reports from institutions like the Pew Research Center and the US Surgeon General have documented increased mental health challenges among teens, often linking them to changes in technology use and reduced face-to-face interaction, reports MBN. Technological developments, including the adoption of AI in education, are also reshaping the way young people communicate, learn, and relate. A Pew Research study revealed that 25% of teenagers used AI tools like ChatGPT for schoolwork in 2024, raising concerns about emotional detachment and diminished engagement with peers and teachers.

In parallel, institutions and governments are seeking new approaches. California State University, for instance, has partnered with tech companies to integrate AI into its system while emphasizing responsible use. Other universities are reintroducing analog methods, such as handwritten exams, to counteract overreliance on digital tools.

The economic implications for loneliness are significant. The report estimates billions in lost productivity and increased healthcare costs due to loneliness-related conditions. At the community level, social disconnection weakens cohesion and resilience, particularly during crises.In response, the WHO Commission recommends coordinated action across five areas: policy development, research, targeted interventions, standardized measurement, and public engagement. Strategies range from national-level awareness campaigns and urban infrastructure improvements to mental health support and educational reforms.

The WHO report underscores that the responsibility to address loneliness spans individuals, communities, and institutions. From volunteering and joining local groups to national policy and infrastructure changes, the report positions social connection not just as a personal matter, but a public health imperative.

“The costs of social isolation and loneliness are high, but the benefits of social connection are far-reaching,” the report concludes.