Living alone has become an epidemic!

Noting that living alone has become the world's biggest epidemic in recent years and that individuals globally are living alone in masses, Sociologist Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan said, “The effects of loneliness are often overlooked but pose serious health risks. Research shows that social isolation and loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and even more deadly than this habit.”

Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan, Head of the Sociology Department at Üsküdar Üniversitesi's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, addressed the increase in individuals living alone.

The phenomenon of living alone is no longer tied to old age

Stating, “In recent years, the biggest epidemic in the world is living alone. Globally, individuals are living alone in masses,” Prof. Dr. Erdoğan explained that the increase in the number of individuals living alone emerges as a combination of a series of social, economic, technological, and psychological factors, and that the phenomenon of living alone, which was once associated with old age, is now more linked to young and middle-aged individuals. 

Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan also stated that a wide demographic diversity is observed among those living alone: “Different age groups, from young professionals to retirees, adopt this lifestyle or are forced into it. Additionally, various marital statuses such as singles, divorced, or widowed individuals are seen among those living alone.”

As the family weakens, loneliness gains strength

Noting that the trend of living alone is largely triggered by social and economic changes, Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan continued:

“In today's capitalist society, individuals prefer career-focused lives. The importance of the traditional family structure decreases day by day, while personal freedoms gain priority. Men do not want to bear all family responsibilities. Women, on the other hand, do not adopt this lifestyle due to the self-confidence gained from achieving economic independence. Furthermore, the rise in education levels equips individuals both intellectually and financially. Higher education levels generally allow for higher incomes. This enables individuals to stand on their own feet. Moreover, educated individuals have the opportunity to show more resistance to the pressure of marriage and starting a family. However, they want to benefit more from the blessings of life. This makes them ideal subjects of the consumer society.”

Pandemic increased technology dependence

Stating that the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant effects on individuals living alone, Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan said, “Quarantine and social isolation revealed both the challenges and the importance of loneliness and independent living. The pandemic led many people to understand the value of their social support networks more. However, the pandemic unfortunately also caused us to become more dependent on digital communication tools.”

Loneliness is a public health problem

Stating that the lack of social interactions causes many diseases today, Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan noted:

“The effects of loneliness are often overlooked but pose serious health risks. Research shows that social isolation and loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and even more deadly than this habit.”

Those living alone are more likely to experience health problems such as stroke, dementia, and depression

Loneliness is more deadly than being overweight. Research shows that lonely individuals are at a higher risk of mental and chronic diseases. Those living in social isolation face a higher incidence of health problems such as stroke, anxiety, dementia, and depression. Such findings indicate that loneliness is a significant public health issue. Therefore, strengthening social ties is of vital importance to support individuals' healthy living processes. 

No Zoom connection can replace a real encounter

Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan also noted that technology plays an important role in coping with the challenges faced by those living alone, concluding his words: “Social media platforms, video conferencing applications, and online communities, which are widespread today, can partially alleviate feelings of loneliness by allowing people to connect with friends and family around the world. However, as social beings, we find fulfillment in real-life relationships. We achieve the satisfaction of real life and relationships through our posture, touch, smell, and dozens of signals and impressions we unconsciously emit and receive. No Zoom connection can replace a real encounter.”