The research on the prevalence and threats of loneliness is now almost ubiquitous. We've read about it in the media and heard government officials sound the alarm. Today, loneliness seems more common and more dangerous than ever before.
Research shows that social isolation is as dangerous to mental and physical health as smoking, alcohol, or obesity.
Being lonely has the same negative health effects as smoking 15 cigarettes/day, and can increase the risk of premature death by 50%. Quite literally, loneliness kills.
Loneliness is Everywhere
If asked to visualize a lonely person, you might imagine a housebound senior abandoned by her family or a socially awkward loner spending his days glued to a screen. But actually, loneliness is everywhere, and few people are immune. For instance, in the US, 60% of people report feeling lonely; 30% feel lonely every week, and 10% feel lonely every day.
Several shifts in modern Western societies have contributed to the rapid increases in loneliness. Many more adults live alone (a risk factor for loneliness); people are getting married later or not at all (another risk factor); fewer extended families are living in close proximity (you guessed it - risk factor).
We work longer hours, leaving less time to form relationships. We move around the country or even across the world in pursuit of professional goals and economic opportunity, disconnecting us from familiar communities. Technology can lead to loneliness too - instead of making small talk while in line or waiting for the bus, we scroll social media; instead of asking a neighbor for help with a household problem, we pull up a YouTube video; instead of making plans with friends, we stay in and binge-watch Netflix.
Technology and Loneliness
But while technology can make us lonelier, it can also be a valuable tool to combat loneliness. Indeed, the majority of Americans see the potential for technology in this area: in a poll by the American Psychiatric Association, two-thirds agreed that technology can help form new relationships, and three-fourths said that technology helps connect with others more often.
Unsurprisingly, many companies are jumping in to harness technology to connect people - and earn some money in the process. Seemingly overnight, a whole industry of swipe-and-match apps (think Tinder, but for friends) has sprouted in the US and Europe. There are millions of virtual interest-based groups - sports and arts-themed meetups, online gaming communities, parents' chats, forums devoted to popular TV shows. We've even got the phenomenon of AI friends - opportunities to chat online with a friendly robot that can interact with you just like a real person.
Volunteering and Loneliness
ENGin is pioneering another tech-enabled approach to helping people connect: relationship-based virtual volunteering. The data is clear - volunteering has positive mental health benefits, makes us happier, and decreases feelings of loneliness.
Sadly, only 6% of Americans try volunteering when they are feeling lonely.
This option ranked dead last in the APA's survey, ranking far below questionable "solutions" like turning to TV and social media (50%), overeating (26%), or drugs or alcohol (13%).
Our fundamental belief at ENGin is that authentic human connection changes lives, and that with just a little support from our team, nearly anyone in the world can access the benefits of these connections from the comfort of home. We want to make volunteering easy and accessible - so that those who feel lonely can reach out and talk to another human rather than relying on addictive substances or bandaid solutions.
ENGin - The Power of Connection
Feedback from our participants suggests that ENGin pairings bring connection and belonging to both students' and volunteers' lives.
Andrew L shares, "I have been meeting with my buddy for 1 year. We have both chosen to continue because of the strong friendship that has developed. We stopped focusing on any type of grammar or other "lessons" a long time ago, and mostly just talk. I sometimes wonder if meeting adds stress to his already stressful life, but I am constantly amazed at his responses whenever I feel this.
Today when I asked how he was doing, he mentioned that he was stressed. I told him we didn't need to meet if he was tired, and his response was "no, I want to talk."
In one short year, our relationship has evolved from initially my trying to do some lessons to determine where he was at, to two old friends who seem like we have known each other for 30 years."
Students share similar perspectives—particularly encouraging given that the war has exacerbated social isolation in Ukraine. Oksana B wrote, "My first meeting with my volunteer, Nina, was wonderful. We hit it off immediately. I consider myself very fortunate to meet with Nina because she is an outgoing, cheerful, sensible, and enthusiastic person who dedicates her time to helping me improve my English language skills.
She has a great sense of humor that makes our weekly lessons fascinating and engaging. During our meetings, we speak a lot, watch videos, read interesting articles, and then discuss them.
Honestly, Nina is more than just a volunteer; she is a mentor, a friend and a cultural guide on my journey to the English language. She appeared in my life when I had difficulties because of the war. I’m really grateful for her support and her kind words during this hard time in my country."
In the coming years, we hope to reach hundreds of thousands more participants, and bring them the same experience Oksana and Andrew have had with their ENGin buddies. We're so grateful to have you along on this important journey!
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