As fears grow about what scientists have dubbed the "epidemic of loneliness," entrepreneurs are striving to break the feeling of social isolation, according to a report published by the Wall Street Journal. American doctor Vivek Murthy warned last year about the "epidemic of loneliness," sounding the alarm over social isolation that causes mental and physical harm, especially among adolescents, with some experiencing record levels of sadness.
Murthy pointed out that smart devices and social media, after having sparked a technological boom, have become the "problem." Radhika Agrawal, a participant in an organization focused on "health, entertainment, and technology aimed at addressing feelings of loneliness," stated: "The chemistry of sadness permeates all our cities now. It is up to us to change that chemistry."
Much like support groups for alcoholics, this organization seeks to "heal the mind, body, and spirit." Dr. Michael Moore, an assistant professor of psychology at the Gordon F. Derner Institute of Adelphi University in New York, explained in an interview with the United Nations website the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education and students, emphasizing that "isolation and fear of illness can lead to avoidance behaviors, such as avoiding social interaction, and for some individuals, severe anxiety disorders that affect their daily lives."
Moore clarified that, in addition to the pandemic, students are suffering from an epidemic of loneliness, especially in the absence of school environments that provide social support.
