THE LONELINESS EPIDEMIC IN MODERN URBAN SOCIETIES: SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5520Keywords:
Loneliness, Social Isolation, Urban Environments, Mental Health, Social Cohesion, Urban PlanningAbstract
Loneliness has become a growing public health concern, particularly in urban societies where high population density does not necessarily translate into meaningful social connection. This paper aims to examine the social, psychological, and structural determinants of loneliness in modern urban environments. The study is based on a narrative review of recent interdisciplinary literature, including empirical studies and meta-analyses from the fields of public health, psychology, and urban studies.
The analysis points to several key factors contributing to urban loneliness, including the paradox of digital connectivity, characteristics of the built environment, and increasing social mobility leading to fragmented communities. The findings suggest that digital technologies play a dual role, as their impact depends on patterns of use, while urban design and access to social infrastructure significantly influence opportunities for interaction. Furthermore, loneliness is associated with a wide range of adverse outcomes, including mental health disorders, cognitive decline, and increased cardiovascular risk.
Overall loneliness can be understood as a multidimensional phenomenon shaped by the interaction between individual behaviour and broader environmental and societal factors. The paper concludes that effective mitigation strategies require an integrated approach combining community-based interventions, inclusive urban planning, and responsible use of digital technologies.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Julianna Cholewa, Radosław Januszczak, Gabriela Anna Gilarska, Agnieszka Barbara Białek, Wiktoria Bojarska, Rafał Gołacki, Maja Sygacz, Paweł Szymonek, Bartosz Burda
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