All articles tagged with #loneliness
In a CBS Mornings interview, Hilary Duff reveals her new song is about her sister Haylie and that not having Haylie in her life is the loneliest part of her existence; she says the album centers on “connection” and that she must exist as an individual for now, amid reports of a long-running rift with Haylie since 2019.
As Taxi Driver marks its 50th anniversary, BBC culture argues the film’s defining moment isn’t De Niro’s famous mirror line but a bold corridor tracking shot that moves away from Travis after Betsy rejects him, turning a painful moment into a universal meditation on loneliness and showcasing Scorsese’s European-influenced, New Hollywood style.
UK broadcasters and researchers report a Gen Z loneliness trend, with some youths turning to AI chatbots like ChatGPT for companionship; YouGov finds 33% of 16–29-year-olds feel lonely, and an Onside survey shows 39% of 11–18s use chatbots for support (21% say AI is easier to talk to than a real person in the North West). Experts warn AI cannot replace trusted adults or professional help, underscoring the need for accessible mental-health resources and human connection.
A University of Zurich study of over 17,000 youths in Germany and the UK finds that long-term singlehood is linked to declines in life satisfaction and rising loneliness and depressive symptoms, especially in the late twenties. Entering a first romantic relationship improves life satisfaction and reduces loneliness in both the short and long term, but does not significantly affect depressive symptoms.
A new Chinese app called Are You Dead? invites young people who live alone to check in and prove they’re alive, using selfies or quick updates. Developed by a team including Ian Lü, the app aims to ease parental and societal worry about solo urban living and address safety and loneliness among China’s growing number of young, independently living residents.
Arabella Carey Adolfsson, born in California, moved with her Swedish husband to Torpön Island in Sweden in 2022; she loves the beauty and slower pace but struggles with isolation and finding community, planning to stay while continuing to adapt and travel in Europe.
A paid Chinese app called Are You Dead? (Demumu) prompts people who live alone to press a button every two days to confirm they’re alive; if they miss a check-in, it notifies an emergency contact. Launched last year, it has surged to become one of China’s top paid apps as concerns about isolation grow, and the developers are considering an elderly-focused version while facing criticism over the bleak name.
China’s Sile Me app, nicknamed “Are You Dead?,” lets users living alone check in and alerts a designated emergency contact if they miss two consecutive days, and it has become China’s top paid Apple Store download. The app’s rise mirrors rapid demographic shifts: more one-person households, a growing elderly population, and a declining birth rate, all set against urban migration. While some commentators view it as a practical tool for the isolated elderly, others see it as a social barometer of loneliness and anxiety among younger urbanites in a slowing economy.
Pope Leo XIV addressed young people in Rome, emphasizing the importance of seeking truth, authentic relationships, and the transformative power of prayer, especially in overcoming loneliness and superficial connections in the digital age.
Dating with intention, which involves mindful partner selection without necessarily aiming for marriage, may lead to greater satisfaction and reduced loneliness, according to a recent article.
Swedish pharmacy chain Apotek Hjärtat is piloting a 'friendship hour' scheme, providing employees with paid time to strengthen social connections, as part of Sweden's broader efforts to combat loneliness, which is linked to health risks and societal costs. The initiative is supported by government strategies and has shown promising early results, sparking interest from other businesses and policymakers.
A study found that young adults experience high loneliness despite having large friend networks, with social well-being highest in younger and older adults and lowest in middle-aged individuals, highlighting the complex relationship between social connections and perceived loneliness across different age groups.
While concerns about AI relationships include potential delusions and dependency, they may also offer benefits like reducing loneliness and aiding mental health, especially for those with limited access to human interaction or therapy. Responsible development and regulation are crucial to maximize benefits and minimize harms, with the ultimate goal of AI serving as a temporary aid rather than a replacement for human connection.
Phil James, a recovering alcoholic and mental health advocate, is cycling alone to the summit of Snowdon while eating Christmas dinner to raise awareness about loneliness and mental health issues during the festive season, with proceeds supporting the MATE charity and encouraging others to check on those suffering.
The article discusses the rise of AI companionship in 2025, highlighting public skepticism and defacement of AI ads in NYC subway stations, and explores concerns about AI replacing human relationships, especially amid a loneliness epidemic and the potential risks for vulnerable groups like teens. Experts warn that AI may deepen social isolation and emotional delusions, emphasizing the importance of genuine human connection.