Before the COVID-19 pandemic, public-health experts were concerned about an epidemic of loneliness in the U.S. The coronavirus has exacerbated that problem, with most face-to-face socializing still limited to members of people’s own households. For the 35.7 million Americans who live alone, that means no meaningful social contact at all, potentially for months on end. Experts are rightly concerned about the mental health ramifications of this widespread isolation, especially since there’s no agreed-upon tipping point at which acute loneliness transitions into a chronic stress with long-term consequences. __21__. 

      Technology has emerged as an imperfect solution. Video-chat platforms like Zoom are surging in popularity, and nearly every social media network is billing itself as a way to stay connected with friends virtually. There are also community groups attempting to make digital communication more meaningful. Some existed before COVID-19 but have expanded to meet surging demand, like Let’s Be Authentic, a Philadelphia-area social group that pairs up members for weekly video chats and communication exercises. __22__ “They know someone is there for them should they need it, and that alone makes you feel good,” a participant says.

       But research suggests not everyone benefits equally from digital interactions. __23__ Yet, interestingly, research shows that loneliness may subside for younger adults when they reduce their social-media usage. Endless scrolling through other people's social-media posts makes young people feel left out. __24__ In ValuePenguin’s recent survey, 10% of respondents said video chats only make them feel lonelier.

       COVID-19 is making loneliness easier to talk about, which could encourage people who struggle with it to seek help or reach out to connections they do have. There’s a certain amount of stigma attached to any mental illness. Loneliness can be uniquely uncomfortable to talk about. __25__ In one 1992 Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin study, for example, participants rated a fictional lonely person as less likable, social, competent and attractive than a non-lonely person. Experts hope that the fact that loneliness is now mainstream and easier than ever to talk about will finally change that perception.

(AB) It has seen a noticeable uptick in use of its online programs in which any elderly person who signs up gets a personalized weekly phone call from a volunteer.

(AC) Several studies have found that tools like video chats and instant messages may help elderly adults feel less lonely, especially if they’re physically isolated from others and cannot otherwise socialize.

(AD) In the current context, digital interaction is just as important for quelling that stress response as physical behaviors like getting enough sleep, exercising, and following a balanced diet.

(AE) It can feel like a personal failing to admit you don't have the social network you want, and there’s a tendency for others to blame the victim.

(BC) It may be because it's replacing valuable in-person moments； under COVID-19 lockdown, social media may simply serve as a painful reminder of their loved ones’ physical absence.

(BD) A group of doctors from Harvard Medical School even warned that physical distancing and stress caused by the pandemic, combined with rising firearm sales, could worsen the suicide crisis the U.S. has been weathering for more than a decade.