Global Survey unveils loneliness affects a quarter of people worldwide

Nearly one in four people across the globe report feeling lonely, a Meta-Gallup survey reveals. This finding translates into over a billion individuals grappling with loneliness. The survey, engaging more than 140 countries, unveils a critical aspect of social well-being. However, it’s important to note that these figures might not fully capture the global scenario. China, the world’s second-most populous country, was not included. This exclusion suggests the actual numbers could be even higher. The graphs you see below are part of the global survey on loneliness. Let’s check them out.

The World Health Organization and the U.S. Surgeon General have highlighted loneliness as a significant health concern. This collaboration between Gallup and Meta brings a global perspective to these concerns. The Global State of Social Connections report, set to launch on Nov. 1, 2023, will delve deeper into these findings. It is the result of the first global study on loneliness, drawing on surveys from 142 countries and regions.

Interestingly, older adults, those 65 and above, report the lowest levels of loneliness at 17%. In contrast, young adults aged 19 to 29 feel the loneliest, with 27% reporting feelings of loneliness. This challenges the common focus on loneliness among the elderly, revealing that younger generations are significantly affected.

The survey also finds that loneliness does not discriminate by gender. Both men and women report a 24% rate of feeling lonely. While gender differences in loneliness are minimal in most countries, some regions report significant disparities. In 79 countries, women report higher loneliness than men, contrasting with 63 countries where the opposite is true.

On a positive note, nearly half of the respondents, or 2.2 billion people, do not feel lonely at all. This highlights a significant portion of the global population with strong social connections.

Loneliness is a pervasive issue affecting millions worldwide. It’s associated with numerous health risks, underscoring the importance of understanding and addressing this global epidemic. The upcoming Global State of Social Connections report aims to provide further insights into loneliness and social well-being, potentially paving the way for interventions to enhance community connectedness globally.