Can Tech Help with Social Isolation and Loneliness?

Social isolation and loneliness often go hand in hand, but with a few key differences. Social isolation is when you have significantly reduced contact with your loved ones or other people in society. Whereas loneliness is what you feel as an effect of social isolation, often displaying as distressing or sorrowful emotions.

In addition to feelings of loneliness, social isolation symptoms can also manifest as anxiety, panic or avoidance of social interactions. You may also experience strong feelings of dread or emotional numbness, depending on your situation.See Disclosure ¹

It’s crucial to work toward resolving social isolation because the effects of this situation can be severe. Scientific research has shown that social isolation and loneliness are associated with higher risks for conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, and depression. And social isolation in elderly populations has shown a correlation between loneliness and increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.^{2, 3}

Therefore, finding ways to connect socially can be important for both your mental and physical health. Below, are just some of the ways you can use technology to help combat social isolation and loneliness.

With the advancement of video call technology, you can connect with family and friends in a more personal way, even when long distances separate you. You can always use your cell phone or landline to call the people you love, but being able to see their faces can go a long way for connection and communication.

When sending someone a video call, you have a few options. You can video chat on a smartphone by using the built-in camera or a downloaded app. Just make sure that the person you’re calling also has the same app or technology available on their phone. Or you can opt to use a tablet for your video calls, which will give you a much larger screen for seeing someone’s smiling face.

For social isolation and loneliness in older adults, consider choosing easy-to-use video call technology to connect across generations. A smart display can provide you with a convenient touch screen and the benefits of voice command technology. With your smart speaker, you can tell your virtual assistant to make a video call on your smart display to anyone in your contacts. This feature makes calling your family or friends can be as simple as saying their name.

As the landscape of the internet continues to develop, there are more and more opportunities for online community-building. All you need is your laptop or desktop and internet access to search for virtual or in-person gatherings that meet your needs.

However, when it comes to using online social media, social isolation and technology have a complicated relationship. Even though social media platforms seem like the obvious choice for connecting to your friends and family, some research suggests that social media may actually increase the effects of social isolation. One recent study showed that subjects who spent more than two hours a day on social media were twice as likely to report feelings of social isolation.^{4, 5}

So, if you’re looking for technology to reduce social isolation and loneliness, accessing social media platforms may not be your best bet. But social media isn’t the only way to connect online. For example, you could start a digital book club or get friends together virtually to stream your favorite movie online. Another option to consider is signing up for a virtual class to connect with other people with similar interests. You can bond with new friends as together you learn how to become a better cook, writer, woodworker, or whatever skills you want to develop.

When it comes to social isolation and loneliness, don’t underestimate the power of play. If it’s difficult for you to meet in person, you can still play your favorite video games virtually with your friends and family. Whether you’re playing a cooperative game or a competitive one, virtual gaming can be a great opportunity to bond with an old or new friend.

You can play with your favorite video game console or use your computer for PC gaming. If you decide to invest in a new console for gaming with friends, check out the Nintendo Switch, which has a wide selection of games that you can play with multiple players — local or online. Or you can explore video game streaming platforms, like Twitch, where you can gather with other video game enthusiasts to chat as you watch your favorite influencers navigate through the latest games. Furthermore, if you want to create your own streaming community, make sure you have a hands-free gaming headset so you can connect and get to know your viewers as you play.

1. “Understanding the Effects of Social Isolation on Mental Health.” School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University. September 15, 2022. https://publichealth.tulane.edu/blog/effects-of-social-isolation-on-mental-health/.

2. “Loneliness and Social Isolation - Tips for Staying Connected.” NIH National Institute on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. January 14, 2021. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation-tips-staying-connected.

3. “Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Academies Press. February 27, 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557972/.

4. Primack, Brian A. “Social Media Use and Perceived Social Isolation Among Young Adults in the U.S.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Elsevier Inc. March 6, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2017.01.010.

5. Hobson, Katherine. “Feeling Lonely? Too Much Time on Social Media May Be Why.” NPR. March 6, 2017. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/03/06/518362255/feeling-lonely-too-much-time-on-social-media-may-be-why.