The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about loneliness, which is responsible for more than 871,000 deaths worldwide each year—equivalent to roughly 100 deaths every hour. This alarming statistic comes from a new report released Monday by the WHO Commission on Social Connection, revealing that one in six people globally now suffers from loneliness, with far-reaching effects beyond emotional distress.
The commission’s findings highlight that social isolation and loneliness significantly raise the risk of numerous serious health conditions, including strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and suicide. Beyond individual health, the report also emphasizes the broader societal costs, noting billions of dollars lost annually due to increased healthcare expenses and diminished productivity.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General and co-chair of the commission, described loneliness as “a painful, subjective feeling that many of us experience when the relationships we need don’t match the relationships we have.” He distinguished this from social isolation, which is “an objective state of having few relationships or interactions.”
Murthy pointed to digital technology’s complex role in the crisis. While tools like video calls can help maintain connections, he stressed the importance of “having places and spaces where we can engage face-to-face without the distraction of technology.” Excessive reliance on phones and social media, he warned, can erode deeper communication cues like tone, body language, and even silence.
The report identifies young people and residents of low-income countries as particularly vulnerable. Between 17% and 21% of individuals aged 13 to 29 report feelings of loneliness, with teenagers experiencing the highest rates. In poorer nations, about 24% of the population feels lonely—more than double the rate seen in wealthier countries. Groups such as refugees, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals face even greater obstacles to meaningful social connection.
Lonely teenagers are 22% more likely to perform poorly academically, and adults struggling with loneliness often face higher risks of job loss or unemployment. “Despite endless ways to connect, more people find themselves isolated and lonely,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Sweden was highlighted as a leading example of a national approach to combating loneliness. Swedish Social Minister Jakob Forssmed detailed the country’s multi-faceted strategy, which includes prepaid leisure cards for youth to encourage group activities, a proposed ban on mobile phones in public schools, and initiatives to foster interaction in community spaces such as shops, neighborhoods, and clubs.
“Children and teenagers are sleeping better and find it easier to put their phones aside during free time,” Forssmed said, noting that many young people are frustrated by parents distracted by mobile devices.
The WHO Commission calls on governments worldwide to prioritize social connection as a key public health issue. Their roadmap outlines practical strategies not only to improve health outcomes but also to boost education and economic growth. Recommended actions include creating parks and libraries, updating national policies, and encouraging individuals to reconnect, reach out, or volunteer within their communities.
