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Young people and loneliness: How digital communities foster local connection
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It’s no secret that in recent years, many aspects of life have been relocated to online spaces. This increasing digitalisation has been scrutinised for posing a risk to social connection and interaction. But in recent years, digital communities for young people that specifically foster offline connection have been emerging online. We hear from Elle Thwaites, AHRC-funded PhD candidate in sociology at The University of Leeds, and currently on placement with the Campaign.
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What we are thinking about
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A new Surgeon General Advisory is highlighting the impact of social media on Youth Mental Health and calling for swift, multi-sector action to maximise its benefits and reduce the risk of harm. It states that we cannot conclude social media is sufficiently safe for children and adolescents and outlines immediate steps we can take to mitigate the risk of harm to children and adolescents.
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The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the national US public health agency, has released a new website on the power of connection. We're pleased that the Campaign to End Loneliness is the organisation outside of the US that they cite.
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What we are reading
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This systematic review examines interventions to improve quality of life and reduce loneliness among informal caregivers. In the 12 studies included for full review, caregivers were usually spouses and most care recipients had dementia. Promising approaches included peer support between caregivers, and services that provide emotional and informational support. However, evidence about how interventions work and of their impact is limited.
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This Norwegian study uses data from a national survey to examine consequences of caring responsibilities for university students aged 18-25 for loneliness, close friendships, educational engagement, and for participation in recreational activities including physical exercise and volunteering. Findings add to previous research which shows that young people with family care responsibilities have higher levels of mental health problems than those without. They are discussed in terms of impact at this important developmental stage of life and the need for educational institutions to provide support for young adult carers.
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Dates for your diary
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1 June 2023 (10.00-15:00)
Starting in 2020, From Isolation to Inclusion has been working to help the public sector in the North Sea Region innovate around social inclusion. Bringing together academia, municipalities, organisations, businesses, and the people afflicted by social isolation, we have found new ideas and solutions together. Join us as we are broadcasting live from the University of Agder (Norway), with international speakers on social inclusion and social design.
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21 June 2023 (17:00-18:00) - Online
In 2018, the UK Government appointed the world’s first minister for loneliness and launched its first loneliness strategy. Five years on, there has been concerted action by government and all parts of society, as well as a global pandemic that led almost all of us to live in physical isolation and to reflect on the meaning of our relationships. Join us as we hear from some of the leaders in the field of loneliness and connection, and gather ideas on how we can tackle loneliness in the next five years.
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Anytime - Online
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Drawing on our expertise in loneliness and connection, our Loneliness Explored e-learning module is designed to help individuals understand the risk factors for loneliness and how it can affect our mental and physical health, as well as promising approaches that can help.
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Get in touch
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Do you have news or thoughts that you would like to share with people working on loneliness and others who are interested? Email info@ctel.blazeoven.co.uk.uk
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