pros and cons of self isolation essay

Is self-isolating alone actually bad for our mental health?

“we were surprised to see that their loneliness, depression and anxiety did not increase under self-isolation.”.

Royal Society Open Science issued a call for Registered Report submissions in March 2020 to support research into the COVID-19 pandemic. This week the journal published the first of these contributions. The authors, Netta Weinstein and Thuy-vy Nguyen explain the motivation for and findings of their work below. Chris Chambers, the journal’s Registered Report editor concludes the blog with a summary of the call for papers to date.

In the run-up to lockdown psychologists feared the impact self-isolation could have on mental health. We worried that adults, and especially older ones, would feel lonely, depressed and anxious when stuck at home. These expectations were exacerbated by the unknowns: what is self-isolation going to be like, how will basic needs be met, how long will it last? Many of the relationships and commitments that brought us together and that occupied our days were, at best, now remote.

Since many people live alone; roughly 30 percent of adults in the UK, we feared that we would start to see the consequences of loneliness en masse. Researchers have reason to be worried about how those living solo would deal with self-isolation. The risks of loneliness are well known following decades of studies, including physical health problems so taxing they shorten our lives. Self-isolation seemed a necessary but costly decision.

It is hard to think about people stuck at home alone without imagining their loneliness. We expected self-isolating adults who live alone to feel especially cut off during these hard times while those of us who live with partners or family would be insulated by companionship.

But the findings of early studies run over the past couple of months do not support this assumption. We have been surprised by what they show. Our study published last week in Royal Society Open Science is one of them, which set out to identify differences in people that would affect their ill-being in self-isolation. We followed approximately 800 living-alone adults in the US and UK, and measured their loneliness, depression, and anxiety in the early weeks of the COVID-19 crisis. We had first measured their mental health before lockdown took full force, and again measured mental health at two time-points after. We were surprised to see that their loneliness, depression and anxiety did not increase under self-isolation.

There were more surprises in our results. We found that individual differences at the outset, those we thought would make people more resilient in isolation, didn’t matter. For example, people who preferred to be in the company of others did not seem to struggle more during these weeks of the crisis, nor did those who reported feeling more pressure to be alone. Both living-alone adults (around ages 35-55) and older adults (mostly 65-75) reported, on the whole, low ill-being in early weeks of the pandemic.

What we’ve learned from our earlier research on solitude may explain why: we don’t have to be lonely when alone, and solitude can be a positive space for reinvigorating, rather than depleting, our minds. As more people are at home than ever before, data collected by YouGov suggest that most people don’t want to go back to the way things were. Many of us are enjoying aspects of time alone, valuing simple activities such as a walk outdoors or cooking a meal. For many, these positives may be enough to balance the negatives of self-isolation.

These findings question whether initial concerns around mental health have been over-simplified and generalized. Conversations about mental health are often focused on the negative impact of self-isolation. But we found that other worries were more prominent. Some people who were worried about their health felt more lonely, depressed, and anxious, on the whole. Others worried about the stability of their jobs and incomes. Of course, isolation plays a role in these concerns if people don’t have a social support system in place to discuss those fears. Fortunately, we’ve seen both grassroots and top-down efforts across the UK and in the US to support adults and older adults with these concerns.

Psychologists are continuing to track people’s mental health through this crisis, and with good reason. As people linger in self-isolation they may become worn down by extended time alone. We do not yet know if and when this will happen, and what it means for mental health over the long term. For now, our data suggest more solitude has not been good or bad, it just was – and for many living alone adults and older adults, the extended time in self-isolation may be the lesser of the problems posed by COVID-19.

Netta Weinstein and Thuy-vy Nguyen’s research is concerned with contextual, motivation and well-being aspects of solitude, or time spent alone; https://www.soarinsolitude.info . This research is funded in part by the European Research Council (ERC).

Prof Chris Chambers, Registered Reports Editor for Royal Society Open Science , adds that this publication is an example of a Registered Report reviewed at pace. Regular Registered Reports typically spend 2-3 months in Stage 1 review prior to in-principle acceptance, but thanks to the more than 800 scientists who have joined our COVID-19 rapid review network (in which reviewers commit to assessing Registered Reports within 48 hours), the total Stage 1 review time for COVID-19 Registered Reports at Royal Society Open Science is just over 1 week. This figure shows the number of days that each submission, so far, has spent in Stage 1 review, including two rounds of review where applicable. RN indicates the number of reviews received per round, including, for some submissions, a specialist editor in addition to the Registered Report subject editor. Note that these statistics capture the journal handling time only, and do not include the amount of time taken by authors to revise their submissions following review.

Since Royal Society Open Science is an open review journal, all reviews and editorial decision letters will be published alongside accepted Stage 2 articles. Registered Stage 1 protocols for the four submissions, so far, that have received in-principle acceptance are publicly available at the links below:

• Weinstein and Nguyen (psychology): https://osf.io/g9dxb/ • Jacobi et al. (chemistry): https://osf.io/y54h3 • de la Fuente et al. (immunology/pathobiology): https://osf.io/xhdpu • Khan (viral bioinformatics): https://osf.io/ym8gc/

The journal invites Stage 1 Registered Report submissions from researchers, and to support COVID-19 research article processing charges for accepted Registered Reports will be waived.

Dr Netta Weinstein

Dr Thuy-vy Nguyen

Prof Chris Chambers

Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Reading

Assistant Professor of Quantitative Social Psychology at Durham University

Professor, Head of Brain Stimulation, School of Psychology at Cardiff University

Related blogs

Helen Eaton

In Publishing

Science in Lockdown: the effects of COVID-19 on research and researchers

Scientific researchers from across the world share their experience of lockdown

COVID-19 rapid review initiative – an update

Publisher collaboration for rapid review and publication of COVID-19 research

Science in Lockdown part two

Researchers share the impact of Covid-19 Lockdown on their research programs.

Email updates

We promote excellence in science so that, together, we can benefit humanity and tackle the biggest challenges of our time.

Subscribe to our newsletters to be updated with the latest news on innovation, events, articles and reports.

What subscription are you interested in receiving? (Choose at least one subject)

The risks of social isolation

Psychologists are studying how to combat loneliness in those most at risk, such as older adults

By Amy Novotney

May 2019, Vol 50, No. 5

Print version: page 32

12 min read

Parenting, Families, Relationships

CE credits: 1

Learning objectives: After reading this article, CE candidates will be able to:

Identify the effects of social isolation and loneliness on physical, mental and cognitive health.
Explore how loneliness differs from social isolation.
Discuss evidence-based interventions for combating loneliness.

For more information on earning CE credit for this article, go to www.apa.org/ed/ce/resources/ce-corner .

According to a 2018 national survey by Cigna , loneliness levels have reached an all-time high, with nearly half of 20,000 U.S. adults reporting they sometimes or always feel alone. Forty percent of survey participants also reported they sometimes or always feel that their relationships are not meaningful and that they feel isolated.

Such numbers are alarming because of the health and mental health risks associated with loneliness. According to a meta-analysis co-authored by Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University, lack of social connection heightens health risks as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day or having alcohol use disorder. She’s also found that loneliness and social isolation are twice as harmful to physical and mental health as obesity ( Perspectives on Psychological Science , Vol. 10, No. 2, 2015 ).

"There is robust evidence that social isolation and loneliness significantly increase risk for premature mortality, and the magnitude of the risk exceeds that of many leading health indicators," Holt-Lunstad says.

In an effort to stem such health risks, campaigns and coalitions to reduce social isolation and loneliness—an individual’s perceived level of social isolation—have been launched in Australia, Denmark and the United Kingdom. These national programs bring together research experts, nonprofit and government agencies, community groups and skilled volunteers to raise awareness of loneliness and address social isolation through evidence-based interventions and advocacy.

But is loneliness really increasing, or is it a condition that humans have always experienced at various times of life? In other words, are we becoming lonelier or just more inclined to recognize and talk about the problem?

These are tough questions to answer because historical data about loneliness are scant. Still, some research suggests that social isolation is increasing, so loneliness may be, too, says Holt-Lunstad. The most recent U.S. census data, for example, show that more than a quarter of the population lives alone—the highest rate ever recorded. In addition, more than half of the population is unmarried, and marriage rates and the number of children per household have declined since the previous census. Rates of volunteerism have also decreased, according to research by the University of Maryland’s Do Good Institute, and an increasing percentage of Americans report no religious affiliation —suggesting declines in the kinds of religious and other institutional connections that can provide community.

"Regardless of whether loneliness is increasing or remaining stable, we have lots of evidence that a significant portion of the population is affected by it," says Holt-Lunstad. "Being connected to others socially is widely considered a fundamental human need—crucial to both well-being and survival."

As experts in behavior change, psychologists are well-positioned to help the nation combat loneliness. Through their research and public policy work, many psychologists have been providing data and detailed recommendations for advancing social connection as a U.S. public health priority on both the societal and individual levels.

"With an increasing aging population, the effects of loneliness on public health are only anticipated to increase," Holt-Lunstad says. "The challenge we face now is figuring out what can be done about it."

Who is most likely?

Loneliness is an experience that has been around since the beginning of time—and we all deal with it, according to Ami Rokach, PhD, an instructor at York University in Canada and a clinical psychologist. "It’s something every single one of us deals with from time to time," he explains, and can occur during life transitions such as the death of a loved one, a divorce or a move to a new place. This kind of loneliness is referred to by researchers as reactive loneliness.

Problems can arise, however, when an experience of loneliness becomes chronic, Rokach notes. "If reactive loneliness is painful, chronic loneliness is torturous," he says. Chronic loneliness is most likely to set in when individuals either don’t have the emotional, mental or financial resources to get out and satisfy their social needs or they lack a social circle that can provide these benefits, says psychologist Louise Hawkley, PhD, a senior research scientist at the research organization NORC at the University of Chicago.

"That’s when things can become very problematic, and when many of the major negative health consequences of loneliness can set in," she says.

Last year, a Pew Research Center survey of more than 6,000 U.S. adults linked frequent loneliness to dissatisfaction with one’s family, social and community life. About 28 percent of those dissatisfied with their family life feel lonely all or most of the time, compared with just 7 percent of those satisfied with their family life. Satisfaction with one’s social life follows a similar pattern: 26 percent of those dissatisfied with their social lives are frequently lonely, compared with just 5 percent of those who are satisfied with their social lives. One in five Americans who say they are not satisfied with the quality of life in their local communities feel frequent loneliness, roughly triple the 7 percent of Americans who are satisfied with the quality of life in their communities.

And, of course, loneliness can occur when people are surrounded by others—on the subway, in a classroom, or even with their spouses and children, according to Rokach, who adds that loneliness is not synonymous with chosen isolation or solitude. Rather, loneliness is defined by people’s levels of satisfaction with their connectedness, or their perceived social isolation.

Effects of loneliness and isolation

As demonstrated by a review of the effects of perceived social isolation across the life span, co-authored by Hawkley, loneliness can wreak havoc on an individual’s physical, mental and cognitive health ( Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B , Vol. 370, No. 1669, 2015 ). Hawkley points to evidence linking perceived social isolation with adverse health consequences including depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function, accelerated cognitive decline, poor cardiovascular function and impaired immunity at every stage of life. In addition, a 2019 study led by Kassandra Alcaraz, PhD, MPH, a public health researcher with the American Cancer Society, analyzed data from more than 580,000 adults and found that social isolation increases the risk of premature death from every cause for every race ( American Journal of Epidemiology , Vol. 188, No. 1, 2019 ). According to Alcaraz, among black participants, social isolation doubled the risk of early death, while it increased the risk among white participants by 60 to 84 percent.

"Our research really shows that the magnitude of risk presented by social isolation is very similar in magnitude to that of obesity, smoking, lack of access to care and physical inactivity," she says. In the study, investigators weighted several standard measures of social isolation, including marital status, frequency of religious service attendance, club meetings/group activities and number of close friends or relatives. They found that overall, race seemed to be a stronger predictor of social isolation than sex; white men and women were more likely to be in the least isolated category than were black men and women.

The American Cancer Society study is the largest to date on all races and genders, but previous research has provided glimpses into the harmful effects of social isolation and loneliness. A 2016 study led by Newcastle University epidemiologist Nicole Valtorta, PhD, for example, linked loneliness to a 30 percent increase in risk of stroke or the development of coronary heart disease ( Heart , Vol. 102, No. 13 ). Valtorta notes that a lonely individual’s higher risk of ill health likely stems from several combined factors: behavioral, biological and psychological.

"Lacking encouragement from family or friends, those who are lonely may slide into unhealthy habits," Valtorta says. "In addition, loneliness has been found to raise levels of stress, impede sleep and, in turn, harm the body. Loneliness can also augment depression or anxiety."

Last year, researchers at the Florida State University College of Medicine also found that loneliness is associated with a 40 percent increase in a person’s risk of dementia ( The Journals of Gerontology: Series B , online 2018). Led by Angelina Sutin, PhD, the study examined data on more than 12,000 U.S. adults ages 50 years and older. Participants rated their levels of loneliness and social isolation and completed a cognitive battery every two years for up to 10 years.

Among older adults in particular, loneliness is more likely to set in when an individual is dealing with functional limitations and has low family support, Hawkley says. Better self-rated health, more social interaction and less family strain reduce older adults’ feelings of loneliness, according to a study, led by Hawkley, examining data from more than 2,200 older adults ( Research on Aging , Vol. 40, No. 4, 2018 ). "Even among those who started out lonely, those who were in better health and socialized with others more often had much better odds of subsequently recovering from their loneliness," she says.

A 2015 study led by Steven Cole, MD, a professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, provides additional clues as to why loneliness can harm overall health ( PNAS , Vol. 112, No. 49, 2015). He and his colleagues examined gene expressions in leukocytes, white blood cells that play key roles in the immune system’s response to infection. They found that the leukocytes of lonely participants—both humans and rhesus macaques—showed an increased expression of genes involved in inflammation and a decreased expression of genes involved in antiviral responses.

Loneliness, it seems, can lead to long-term "fight-or-flight" stress signaling, which negatively affects immune system functioning. Simply put, people who feel lonely have less immunity and more inflammation than people who don’t.

Combating loneliness

While the harmful effects of loneliness are well established in the research literature, finding solutions to curb chronic loneliness has proven more challenging, says Holt-Lunstad.

Developing effective interventions is not a simple task because there’s no single underlying cause of loneliness, she says. "Different people may be lonely for different reasons, and so a one-size-fits-all kind of intervention is not likely to work because you need something that is going to address the underlying cause." Rokach notes that efforts to minimize loneliness can start at home, with teaching children that aloneness does not mean loneliness. Also, he says, schools can help foster environments in which children look for, identify and intervene when a peer seems lonely or disconnected from others.

In terms of additional ways to address social isolation and feelings of loneliness, research led by Christopher Masi, MD, and a team of researchers at the University of Chicago suggests that interventions that focus inward and address the negative thoughts underlying loneliness in the first place seem to help combat loneliness more than those designed to improve social skills, enhance social support or increase opportunities for social interaction ( Personality and Social Psychology Review , Vol. 15, No. 3, 2011). The meta-analysis reviewed 20 randomized trials of interventions to decrease loneliness in children, adolescents and adults and showed that addressing what the researchers termed maladaptive social cognition through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) worked best because it empowered patients to recognize and deal with their negative thoughts about self-worth and how others perceive them, says Hawkley, one of the study’s co-authors.

Still, some research has found that engaging older adults in community and social groups can lead to positive mental health effects and reduce feelings of loneliness. Last year, Julene Johnson, PhD, a University of California, San Francisco researcher on aging, examined how joining a choir might combat feelings of loneliness among older adults ( The Journals of Gerontology: Series B , online 2018 ). Half of the study’s 12 senior centers were randomly selected for the choir program, which involved weekly 90-minute choir sessions, including informal public performances. The other half of the centers did not participate in choir sessions. After six months, the researchers found no significant differences between the two groups on tests of cognitive function, lower body strength and overall psychosocial health. But they did find significant improvements in two components of the psychosocial evaluation among choir participants: This group reported feeling less lonely and indicated they had more interest in life. Seniors in the non-choir group saw no change in their loneliness, and their interest in life declined slightly.

Researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia have also found that older adults who take part in social groups such as book clubs or church groups have a lower risk of death ( BMJ Open , Vol. 6, No. 2, 2016 ). Led by psychologist Niklas Steffens, PhD, the team tracked the health of 424 people for six years after they had retired and found that social group membership had a compounding effect on quality of life and risk of death. Compared with those still working, every group membership lost after retirement was associated with around a 10 percent drop in quality of life six years later. In addition, if participants belonged to two groups before retirement and kept these up over the following six years, their risk of death was 2 percent, rising to 5 percent if they gave up membership in one group and to 12 percent if they gave up membership in both.

"In this regard, practical interventions need to focus on helping retirees to maintain their sense of purpose and belonging by assisting them to connect to groups and communities that are meaningful to them," the authors say.

To that end, cohousing appears to be growing in popularity among young and old around the world as a way to improve social connections and decrease loneliness, among other benefits. Cohousing communities and mixed-age residences are intentionally built to bring older and younger generations together, either in whole neighborhoods within single-family homes or in larger apartment buildings, where they share dining, laundry and recreational spaces. Neighbors gather for parties, games, movies or other events, and the cohousing piece makes it easy to form clubs, organize child and elder care, and carpool. Hawkley and other psychologists argue that these living situations may also provide an antidote to loneliness, particularly among older adults. Although formal evaluations of their effectiveness in reducing loneliness remain scarce, cohousing communities in the United States now number 165 nationwide, according to the Cohousing Association , with another 140 in the planning stages.

"Older adults have become so marginalized and made to feel as though they are no longer productive members of society, which is lonely-making in and of itself," Hawkley says. "For society to be healthy, we have to find ways to include all segments of the population, and many of these intergenerational housing programs seem to be doing a lot in terms of dispelling myths about old age and helping older individuals feel like they are important and valued members of society again."

Additional reading

Life-saving Relationships Weir, K. Monitor , 2018

Advancing Social Connection as a Public Health Priority in the United States Holt-Lunstad, J., et al. American Psychologist, 2017

The Potential Public Health Relevance of Social Isolation and Loneliness: Prevalence, Epidemiology, and Risk Factors Holt-Lunstad, J. Public Policy & Aging Report , 2017

The link between loneliness and technology

Letters to the Editor

Send us a letter

Essay About Being Alone: 5 Examples and 8 Prompts

To explore your understanding of this subject, read the following examples of an essay about being alone and prompts to use in your next essay.

Being alone and lonely are often used interchangeably, but they don’t have the same meaning.

Everyone has a different notion of what being alone means. Some think it’s physically secluding yourself from people, while others regard it as the feeling of serenity or hopelessness even in the middle of a crowd.

Being alone offers various benefits, such as finding peace and solitude to reflect and be creative. However, too much isolation can negatively impact physical and mental health .

By understanding the contrast between the meaning of being alone and being lonely, you’ll be able to express your thoughts clearly and deliver a great essay.

IMAGE	PRODUCT
	Grammarly
	ProWritingAid

1. Why I Love Being Alone by Role Reboot and Chanel Dubofsky

2. why do i like being alone so much [19 possible reasons] by sarah kristenson, 3. things to do by yourself by kendra cherry, 4. the art of being alone, but not lonely by kei hysi, 5. my biggest fear was being alone by jennifer twardowski, 8 writing prompts on essay about being alone, 1. why you prefer to be alone, 2. things learned from being alone, 3. pros and cons of being alone, 4. being alone vs. being lonely, 5. the difference between being alone vs. being with someone else, 6. the fear of being alone, 7. how to enjoy your own company without being lonely.

“For me, being alone is something I choose, loneliness is the result of being alone, or feeling alone when I haven’t chosen it, but they aren’t the same, and they don’t necessarily lead to one another.”

In this essay, the authors make it clear that being alone is not the same as being lonely. They also mention that it’s a choice to be alone or be lonely with someone. Being alone is something that the authors are comfortable with and crave to find peace and clarity in their minds. For more, see these articles about being lonely .

“It’s important to know why you want to be alone. It can help you make the best of that time and appreciate this self-quality. Or, if you’re alone for negative reasons, it can help you address things in your life that may need to be changed.”

Kristenson’s essay probes the positive and negative reasons a person likes being alone. Positive reasons include creativity, decisiveness, and contentment as they remove themselves from drama.

The negative reasons for being alone are also critical to identify because they lead to unhealthy choices and results such as depression. The negative reasons listed are not being able to separate your emotions from others, thinking the people around you dislike you and being unable to show your authentic self to others because you’re afraid people might not like you.

“Whether you are an introvert who thrives on solitude or a gregarious extrovert who loves socializing, a little high-quality time to yourself can be good for your overall well-being.”

In this essay, Cherry points out the importance of being alone, whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert. She also mentions the benefits of allocating time for yourself and advises on how to enjoy your own company. Letting yourself be alone for a while will help you improve your memory, creativity, and attention to detail, making them more productive.

“You learn to love yourself first. You need to explore life, explore yourselves, grow through challenges, learn from mistakes, get out of your comfort zone, know your true potential, and feel comfortable in your own skin. The moment you love yourself, you become immune to loneliness.”

Hysi explores being alone without feeling lonely. He argues that people must learn to love and put themselves first to stop feeling lonely. This can be challenging, especially for those who put themselves last to serve others. He concludes that loving ourselves leads to a better life.

“We have to be comfortable in our own skin and be willing to be who we truly are, unapologetically. We have to love ourselves unconditionally and, through that love, be willing to seek out what our hearts truly desire — both in our relationships and in our life choices.”

The author discusses why she’s afraid of being alone and how she overcame it. Because she was scared of getting left alone, she always did things to please anyone, even if she wasn’t happy about it. What was important to her then was that she was not alone. But she realized she would still feel lonely even if she wasn’t alone.

Learning to be true to herself helped her overcome what she was afraid of. One key to happiness and fulfillment is loving yourself and always being genuine.

Did you finally have ideas about how to convey your thoughts about being alone after reading the samples above? If you’re now looking for ideas on what to talk about in your essay, here are 8 prompts to consider.

Read the best essay writing tips to incorporate them into your writing.

Today, many people assume that individuals who want to be alone are lonely. However, this is not the case for everyone.

You can talk about a universal situation or feeling your readers will easily understand. Such as wanting to be alone when you’re mad or when you’re burnout from school or work. You can also talk about why you want to be alone after acing a test or graduating – to cherish the moment.

People tend to overthink when they are alone. In this essay, discuss what you learned from spending time alone. Perhaps you have discovered something about yourself, found a new hobby, or connected with your emotions.

Your essay can be an eye-opener for individuals contemplating if they want to take some time off to be alone. Explain how you felt when alone and if there were any benefits from spending this time by yourself.

While being alone has several benefits, such as personal exploration or reflection, time to reboot, etc., too much isolation can also have disadvantages. Conduct research into the pros and cons of alone time, and pick a side to create a compelling argumentative essay . Then, write these in your essay. Knowing the pros and cons of being alone will let others know when being alone is no longer beneficial and they’ll need someone to talk to.

We all have different views and thoughts about being alone and lonely. Write your notion and beliefs about them. You can also give examples using your real-life experiences. Reading different opinions and ideas about the same things broadens your and your readers’ perspectives.

Some people like being with their loved ones or friends rather than spending time alone. In this prompt, you will share what you felt or experienced when you were alone compared to when you were with someone else. For you, what do you prefer more? You can inform your readers about your choice and why you like it over the other.

While being alone can be beneficial and something some people crave, being alone for a long time can be scary for others. Write about the things you are most afraid of, such as, “What if I die alone, would there be people who will mourn for me?” This will create an emotive and engaging essay for your next writing project.

Essay About Being Alone: How to enjoy your own company without being lonely?

Learning to be alone and genuinely enjoying it contributes to personal growth. However, being comfortable in your skin can still be challenging. This essay offers the reader tips to help others get started in finding happiness and tranquillity in their own company. Discuss activities that you can do while being alone. Perhaps create a list of hobbies and interests you can enjoy while being alone.

Interested in learning more? Read our guide on descriptive essay s for more inspiration!

Being Alone: The Pros and Cons of Keeping to Yourself

Many of us are currently sequestered indoors, away from our invigorating and purpose-driven routines. It can be argued that those who are confined with others, like roommates, family, or friends, are lucky in that they are at least allowed to engage in conversation with others and aren’t made to struggle with complete loneliness. Wherever you are, you should know that there are benefits to being alone. And, of course, some drawbacks.

Being Alone Helps With Productivity and Creativity

Just ask any creative thinker—the process of sitting down and coming up with ideas is most often successful when done on one’s own. By disconnecting the outdoor voices, you allow yourself to become more in sync with your thoughts , which gives your brain a chance to wander while also getting the creative juices flowing.

Being Alone Helps Our Brains Recharge

Socializing will always be beneficial for proper brain function, but occasionally shutting your brain off is a boon, too—it’s all about balance. An empty house, free of distractions, allows you to clear your mind and begin thinking more clearly. Just don’t forget to eat well and get plenty of sleep throughout.

Being Alone Can Be Healthy for Relationships

Believe it or not, time away from our partners can be a good thing. By separating, you allow yourself to revisit a sense of independence you may not have experienced in years, while simultaneously instilling a greater feeling of appreciation for our significant other. It’s good to miss people, especially if a physical reunion is just around the corner.

Being Alone Can Make You Lethargic

You’ve heard the expression: don’t let your mind go soft. Well, too much idleness can do just that. Not literally, of course, but it is vital that you periodically engage with a book or puzzle, or any logic-based task to keep your brain functioning at peak performance.

Too Much Time Alone Is Not Good for Your Mental Health

There is a significant difference between spending time alone and being lonely . And obviously, too much of the former can begin to look like the latter. It is important to distinguish between the amount of time you spend alone, and how you feel about the time you spend alone. Feeling lonely can bring with it not just emotional pain but physical pain. So be sure to engage with friends and loved ones via televisual platforms or text messaging.

Being Alone Can Lead to Depression

There is a longstanding link between loneliness and depression —some studies have even shown structural differences between a “normal” brain and one starved for companionship. Too much isolation causes fluctuations in thinking, causing sufferers to perceive the world around them in a negative light. Tele-health centers and hotlines can help with those who may be experiencing stronger than normal feelings of depression.

Normally, there is no harm in stealing some time for yourself. However, right now, we are living in a time that can be described as anything but normal. While isolation may be a mandatory, government-ordered ask, restricting your mind and body while indoors is not.

Begin typing your search above and press return to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Privacy Overview

Discover more from the vale magazine.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

The Virtues of Isolation

Under the right circumstances, choosing to spend time alone can be a huge psychological boon.

In the ’80s, the Italian journalist and author Tiziano Terzani, after many years of reporting across Asia, holed himself up in a cabin in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. “For a month I had no one to talk to except my dog Baoli,” he wrote in his travelogue A Fortune Teller Told Me . Terzani passed the time with books, observing nature, “listening to the winds in the trees, watching butterflies, enjoying silence.” For the first time in a long while he felt free from the incessant anxieties of daily life: “At last I had time to have time.”

But Terzani’s embrace of seclusion was relatively unusual: Humans have long stigmatized solitude. It has been considered an inconvenience, something to avoid, a punishment, a realm of loners. Science has often aligned it with negative outcomes. Freud, who linked solitude with anxiety, noted that, “in children the first phobias relating to situations are those of darkness and solitude.” John Cacioppo, a modern social neuroscientist who has extensively studied loneliness—what he calls “chronic perceived isolation”—contends that, beyond damaging our thinking powers, isolation can even harm our physical health. But increasingly scientists are approaching solitude as something that, when pursued by choice, can prove therapeutic.

This is especially true in times of personal turbulence, when the instinct is often for people to reach outside of themselves for support. “When people are experiencing crisis it’s not always just about you: It’s about how you are in society,” explains Jack Fong, a sociologist at California State Polytechnic University who has studied solitude. “When people take these moments to explore their solitude, not only will they be forced to confront who they are, they just might learn a little bit about how to out-maneuver some of the toxicity that surrounds them in a social setting.”

In other words, when people remove themselves from the social context of their lives, they are better able to see how they’re shaped by that context. Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk and writer who spent years alone, held a similar notion . “We cannot see things in perspective until we cease to hug them to our bosom,” he writes in Thoughts in Solitude.

Much of this self-reconfiguring happens through what Fong calls “existentializing moments,” mental flickers of clarity which can occur during inward-focused solitude. Fong developed this idea from the late German-American sociologist Kurt Wolff’s “surrender and catch” theory of personal epiphany. “When you have these moments, don't fight it. Accept it for what it is. Let it emerge calmly and truthfully and don't resist it,” Fong says. “Your alone time should not be something that you're afraid of.”

Yet, at the same time, it is not only about being alone. “It’s a deeper internal process,” notes Matthew Bowker, a psychoanalytic political theorist at Medaille College who has researched solitude. Productive solitude requires internal exploration, a kind of labor which can be uncomfortable, even excruciating. “It might take a little bit of work before it turns into a pleasant experience. But once it does it becomes maybe the most important relationship anybody ever has, the relationship you have with yourself.”

Yet today, in our hyper-connected society, Bowker believes that solitude is “more devalued than it has been in a long time.” He points to a recent study at the University of Virginia in which several participants–a quarter of the women and two-thirds of the men–chose to subject themselves to electric shock rather than be alone with their thoughts. Bowker sees this heightened distaste for solitude playing out in pop culture as well. For example, vampires used to be portrayed in stories as secluded hermits, whereas now you’re more likely to see them on camera as sexy socialites, he notes.

And even though many great thinkers have championed the intellectual and spiritual benefits of solitude–Lao Tzu, Moses, Nietzsche, Emerson, Woolf (“How much better is silence; the coffee cup, the table”)– many modern humans seem hell-bent on avoiding it. “Every time we have a chance to go running we plug in our headphones. Every time we sit in the car we listen to NPR,” laments Bowker. “I mean, my students today tell me they can’t go to the bathroom without their phone on.”

This is not to say that true solitude necessarily requires an absence of stimuli. Rather, “the value of solitude depends on whether an individual can find an interior solitude” within themselves, says Bowker. Everyone is different in that regard: “Some people can go for a walk or listen to music and feel that they are deeply in touch with themselves. Others cannot.”

Generally, Bowker contends that our “mistrust of solitude” has consequences. For one, “we’ve become a more groupish society,” he says. In A Dangerous Place to Be: Identity, Conflict, and Trauma in Higher Education , an upcoming book Bowker co-authored with David Levine, a psychoanalyst at the University of Denver, the authors trace a line between the devaluing of solitude and the ongoing ideological conflicts afflicting college campuses. “We’re drawn to identity-markers and to groups that help us define [ourselves]. In the simplest terms, this means using others to fill out our identities, rather than relying on something internal, something that comes from within,” Bowker says. “Separating from the group, I would argue, is one thing that universities should be facilitating more.”

That is where solitude comes in. Such a separation requires what psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott called the “capacity to be alone.” This is key to Bowker’s idea of solitude as self-strengthening. “You have to have that capacity: the ability to know that you’re gonna survive, that you’re gonna be okay if you’re not supported by this group,” Bowker says. “Put another way, a person who can find a rich self-experience in a solitary state is far less likely to feel lonely when alone.”

T here is a catch to all of this: For solitude to be beneficial, certain preconditions must be met. Kenneth Rubin, a developmental psychologist at the University of Maryland, calls them the “ifs.” Solitude can be productive only: if it is voluntary, if one can regulate one’s emotions “effectively,” if one can join a social group when desired, and if one can maintain positive relationships outside of it. When such conditions aren’t met, yes, solitude can be harmful. Consider the hikikomori phenomenon in Japan, where hundreds of thousands of depressed or troubled young people quarter themselves away, sometimes for years, often requiring extensive reintegration therapy to move on. The difference between solitude as rejuvenation and solitude as suffering is the quality of self-reflection that one can generate while in it, and the ability to come back to social groups when one wants to.

When preconditions are met, solitude can be restorative. For Fong, who meditates 15 minutes a day and takes monthly solo camping trips, it is at least as essential as exercise or healthy eating. Possibly, he says, it is necessary for a truly healthy mind. “It really lifts you out of problems. It really, really has a powerful function for making you understand your predicament in this universe,” he says.

Yet, because the study of solitude as a positive force is new, it’s hard to speak in precise scientific terms about it: We don’t know what the ideal amount is, for instance, or even if there is one. Most likely, such measures are different for everybody. But researchers recommended taking it where you can get it, by meditating, taking solo walks or going on camping trips alone. Bowker makes a point of driving in silence. The point is to be away from social interaction and looking inward, however this may be achieved for you. “Solitude does not have form,” says Fong. “It is amorphous.”

After his month-long seclusion in Japan, during which he “put [himself] back together,” Terzani, already a well-known reporter in Italy, went on to build a successful career as an author. Though he was an atheist , Terzani gained an almost religious following for his later writings, much of which interweaved reportage with personal experience and philosophical musings. After his death in 2004 from stomach cancer, the adoption of him as a guru-like figure was something which some intellectuals bemoaned, calling it a disservice to his message. “The only real teacher is not in a forest, or a hut or an ice cave in the Himalayas,” he once remarked. “It is within us.” One imagines him reaching the conclusion alone.

About the Author

How Important Is Alone Time for Mental Health?

Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight

Personality and Alone Time

Aloneness vs. Loneliness

Signs You Need It
Ways to Get It
Getting Others to Respect It
Overcoming Fear of Alone Time

People tend to be social creatures, and research has shown that social connections are vital for both emotional and physical well-being. However, alone time, which is sometimes called private time or solitary time and simply means spending time by yourself, is also good for you as it plays a positive role in mental health.

Being around other people comes with rewards, but it also creates stress . You might worry about what people think or alter your behavior to avoid rejection and to fit in with the rest of the group. While this may be the cost of being part of a social world, some of these challenges demonstrate why alone time can be so important.

Benefits of Alone Time

Having time for yourself gives you the chance to break free from social pressures and tap into your own thoughts, feelings , and experiences. Finding time to be alone can also have a number of key benefits. Some of these include:

Improved personal exploration
Increased creativity
More social energy

Improved Personal Exploration

Becoming comfortable in your own company can give you the time and freedom to truly explore your own passions without interference. It can be a way to try new things, research topics that fascinate you, acquire knowledge, and even practice new methods of self-expression.

Giving yourself alone time means you can explore these things without the pressures and judgments that others may impose. Having time to yourself is critical for growth and personal development. Instead of worrying about the needs, interests, and opinions that others may have, alone time lets you focus on yourself .

Increased Creativity

Alone time is an opportunity to let your mind wander and strengthen your creativity . Without the need to care for or interact with other people, you can ignore outside influences and focus inward.

Research actually suggests that being alone can lead to changes in the brain that help fuel the creative process. One study found that people who tend to purposely withdraw in order to spend time alone also tend to be highly creative people .

In a 2020 study published in the journal Nature Communications , researchers found that perceived social isolation (a.k.a. loneliness) led to increased activity in the neural circuits related to imagination. When left with a lack of social stimulation, the brain ramps up its creative networks to help fill the void.

More Social Energy

Living alone tends to be seen in a negative light. However, researchers have found that people who live alone may actually have richer social lives and more social energy than people who cohabitate with others.

In his book “Going Solo,” sociologist Eric Klineberg notes that one in seven U.S. adults lives alone. Klineberg found that not only were these adults not lonely, many actually had richer social lives.

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated both the challenges of loneliness and a lack of solitary time. While many people struggled with feelings of isolation and loneliness, others faced the challenges of suddenly spending a great deal of time in close quarters with family members or roommates. Blurred work-life boundaries and a lack of time apart meant that many people were suddenly struggling with a complete lack of alone time.

Reasons Why Alone Time Isn’t Always Easy

Alone time can be challenging for some people for a variety of reasons. One study found that many people would prefer to give themselves painful electric shocks rather than sit alone with their own thoughts.

Some of these reasons people might struggle with being alone include:

Lack of experience being alone : Some people just might not be used to being by themselves because they are so accustomed to being around other people. The sudden absence of social stimulation can leave them feeling detached or disconnected.
Distressing thoughts and feelings : In other cases, being alone and focusing inward can be difficult or even painful. People might find this introspection distressing or find themselves engaging in rumination and worry.
Social stigma : Stigma about being alone can also play a role in shaping how people feel about solitude. For those who have been exposed to negative attitudes towards being alone or who see it as a form of antisocial behavior or social rejection, solitude can seem like a painful form of punishment.

Marketing professor and researcher Rebecca Ratner of the University of Maryland found that people often avoid doing things they enjoy if they have to do them alone. This is particularly true if it is an activity that can be observed by others, such as going to dinner or a movie solo.

Such findings suggest that a stigma about being alone influences whether people think they enjoy such activities. "When people do things alone, they enjoy themselves more than they expected," Ratner explains. "People overestimate the benefits of being with someone else."

How Personality Affects the Need for Alone Time

It is also important to note that aspects of your personality, as well as your individual preferences, can play a role in determining how much alone time you need and how beneficial it may be. Extroverts tend to feel energized by social experiences, for example, so solitude might be more challenging for them. Introverts , on the other hand, gain energy from being alone.

However, don't think that just because you are an extrovert that you won't enjoy spending time by yourself. In one study, social psychologist Thuy-vy Thi Nguyen found that introverts and extroverts didn't actually differ in the amount of enjoyment they gained from solitude. Contrary to popular belief, introverts didn't enjoy solitude any more than extroverts.

"Our findings suggested that individuals who stay true to their choices and convictions are more likely to take interest and see value in spending time with themselves, despite their propensities for sociality or insecurity around other people," the authors explain.

No matter what your personality type , there may be times you can benefit from some quality time to yourself.

Even before the pandemic, experts warned of a loneliness epidemic that threatened the wellness of people of all ages. Research suggests that people experience more loneliness now than they have in the past. According to one 2018 report, half of Americans feel lonely sometimes, while 25% report feeling lonely almost all the time.

There is an abundance of evidence showing that loneliness can have devastating health consequences. It has been linked to elevated blood pressure, hastened cognitive decline, social anxiety, and an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Loneliness is linked to a wide range of negative health consequences, including a higher risk for depression, anxiety, obesity, high blood pressure, and early death.

But it is important to remember that being alone doesn’t equal loneliness. Where loneliness is marked by negative feelings associated with isolation, alone time involves finding freedom, inspiration, and rejuvenation in solitude.

More recently, researchers have begun to explore the idea that a certain amount of quality alone time can be just as vital for emotional and physical wellness .

Signs You Need Some Alone Time

It’s not always easy to recognize the signs that you might need some time away from other people. Some signs to watch for include:

Feeling short-tempered
Getting easily irritated by sometimes minor things
Losing interest in doing things with other people
Feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated
Having trouble concentrating
Getting anxious about spending time with other people

The good news is that, even if you are struggling with any of these signs, a little alone time can have a significant restorative effect. In one study, people who reported spending approximately 11% of their time alone experienced fewer negative feelings in subsequent demanding social experiences.

Ways to Get Your Alone Time

If you are thinking of spending some time alone, it is important to do so in ways that are beneficial to your mental well-being. Being alone is most beneficial when it is voluntary. It’s also important that you feel like you can return to your social world whenever you like.

Pick a time : Figure out when you’d like to spend some time alone. Plan that time into your schedule and make sure that other people know that they shouldn’t interrupt you during that time.
Turn off social media : Work on eliminating distractions, particularly ones that invite social comparisons . Your focus should be on your own thoughts and interests and not on what other people are doing.
Plan something : Not everyone is comfortable spending time alone, so you might find it helpful to plan out what you want to do. This might involve some relaxation time, exploring a favorite hobby, or reading a book.
Take a walk : Research has found that being outside can have a beneficial impact on well-being. If you're feeling cooped up and stifled by too much social interaction, spending a little time outdoors by yourself enjoying a change of scenery can have a restorative effect.

Think about things that you might like to do by yourself , then start doing them alone.

How Much Alone Time Is Healthy?

Each person has differing needs for solitude and social time. Some might need just a few minutes now and then to reset a bad mood, while others might require more extensive stretches of alone time. Try finding a balance between the two that works for your unique needs.

Getting Others to Respect Your Alone Time

Finding time to be alone isn’t always easy. Those around you may have different social needs and may not understand your need for solitude. Family obligations and parenting responsibilities can also make it tough to carve out time for yourself.

Some steps that you can’t take to ensure that you get the time you need:

Be clear : Tell the people around you, whether they are roommates, family members, or your partner, that you need time alone.
Be specific : Let people know what this means. For example, you might say that you need a certain amount of uninterrupted time to read a book, watch a television show, or listen to a podcast.
Return the favor : If people are willing to take steps to ensure that you get some alone time, it is important for you to show them the same consideration. Offer to take on some responsibilities while they have some space to themselves.
Be flexible : If you are trying to find time for yourself when you don't live alone or you live in close quarters with other people, you'll probably need to be flexible and look for opportunities to carve out time for yourself.

Try waking up early in the morning to enjoy some peaceful time to yourself before others in the house start to wake. If that isn't an option, doing things like going for a walk outdoors or having other family members watch the kids or take over household duties while you take a break can be helpful.

Tips to Overcome a Fear of Alone Time

If the thought of being alone makes you fear that you'll end up feeling lonely, research suggests it may be helpful to reframe time spent alone as solitude. In one study, participants were assigned to either read about the prevalence of loneliness, read a passage about the benefits of solitude, or read about an unrelated topic.

After completing this reading, the participants sat alone for a 10-minute period. In each condition, people experienced decreases in both negative and positive feelings. Such results suggest that while being alone might not always boost your mood, it can help you better regulate your emotions .

The study also found that while people who read about the benefits of solitude didn't necessarily experience a better mood, they didn't have the same reduction of positive feelings that those in the other two groups did.

Such findings suggest that reassessing how you look at spending time alone can play an important role in moderating the potentially negative effects of loneliness.

A Word From Verywell

While being alone sometimes gets mistaken for being lonely, it is clear that having time to yourself now and then is important for mental health and well-being. If the thought of spending time on your own makes you feel bored or uncomfortable, try starting with a small chunk of alone time that allows you to focus on a specific task.

As you get better at enjoying your own company, you may find that this alone time helps you feel renewed and inspired for when you do return to your social circle.

Bowker JC, Stotsky MT, Etkin RG. How BIS/BAS and psycho-behavioral variables distinguish between social withdrawal subtypes during emerging adulthood . Pers Individ Diff . 2017;119:283-288. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2017.07.043

Spreng RN, Dimas E, Mwilambwe-Tshilobo L, et al. The default network of the human brain is associated with perceived social isolation . Nat Commun . 2020;11(1):6393. doi:10.1038/s41467-020-20039-w

Klineberg E. Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone . Penguin; 2013.

Wilson TD, Reinhard DA, Westgate EC, et al. Just think: The challenges of the disengaged mind . Science . 2014;345(6192):75-77. doi:10.1126/science.1250830

Ratner RK, Hamilton RW. Inhibited from bowling alone . J Consum Res . 2015;(42)2:266-283. doi:10.1093/jcr/ucv012

University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business. Tips for overcoming alone time still caused by COVID-19, via Maryland Smith expert . PRNewswire.

Nguyen TT, Weinstein N, Ryan R. Who enjoys solitude? Autonomous functioning (but not introversion) predicts self-determined motivation (but not preference) for solitude . PsyArXiv. 2018. doi:10.31234/osf.io/sjcwg

Cigna. New Cigna study reveals loneliness at epidemic levels in America .

Holt-Lunstad J, Smith TB, Baker M, Harris T, Stephenson D. Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: a meta-analytic review . Perspect Psychol Sci . 2015;10(2):227-237. doi:10.1177/1745691614568352

Birditt KS, Manalel JA, Sommers H, Luong G, Fingerman KL. Better off alone: daily solitude is associated with lower negative affect in more conflictual social networks . Pruchno R, ed. The Gerontologist . 2019;59(6):1152-1161. doi:10.1093/geront/gny060

Thomas V, Balzer Carr B, Azmitia M, Whittaker S. Alone and online: understanding the relationships between social media, solitude, and psychological adjustment . Psychology of Popular Media . 2021;10(2):201-211. doi:10.1037/ppm0000287

Ewert A, Chang Y. Levels of nature and stress response . Behav Sci (Basel) . 2018;8(5). doi:10.3390/bs8050049

Rodriguez M, Bellet BW, McNally RJ. Reframing time spent alone: reappraisal buffers the emotional effects of isolation . Cognit Ther Res . 2020:1-16. doi:10.1007/s10608-020-10128-x

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Publications
Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

Advanced Search
Journal List
Gen Psychiatr
v.34(3); 2021

Isolation and mental health: thinking outside the box

Vanessa brown.

1 Department of Clinical Psychology, Michigan School of Psychology, Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA

Tezonia Morgan

2 Wings of Virtue Counseling and Research Institute, Southfield, Michigan, USA

Andrew Fralick

3 Ascension Eastwood Behavioral Health, Ascension Michigan, Livonia, Michigan, USA

Social isolation is a universal human experience, impacting whole communities at times and reminding each individual of our need for connection. Isolation weaves through life on an intrapersonal, interpersonal and existential level; all individuals experience this phenomenon, to varying degrees, at points in their development. Research has shown that persistent social isolation is a predictor for cardiovascular problems, mental health disorders and increased mortality rates. 1 Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to understand the various forms in which isolation can manifest and ways to foster meaning as a protective factor. As mental health professionals, we must grow in our understanding and willingness to imagine novel solutions for persistent isolation that aid the long-term health of individuals.

Individuals who live alone, those who are abused, those who lack a healthy support system and members of marginalised groups are prime candidates to suffer from depression and anxiety. 2 For these individuals, being isolated can be both tormenting and a relief. Isolation is a result of anxiety and depression in that some individuals use it as a self-induced coping mechanism to deal with excessive worry and avoid human interaction. For others, isolation is a key driver of anxiety and depression, craving the support and stimulation that socialisation provides. 1 Organisations, such as Mental Health America, represent the need to address mental health by dedicating several pages on their websites to detailed information and resources. 3 Most of these websites emphasise a need for social interaction by providing links to therapists in the surrounding areas, listings of groups and even specifically recommending that individuals ‘connect with others’. The mental health field employs techniques that help clients change patterns of isolation. 4 However, factors have shifted, and remedies need to be re-evaluated. It is evident that society is feeling the effects of being quarantined and mental health therapists are seeing it firsthand. We are beginning to acknowledge that isolation is inescapable for some individuals, yet we lack the training to help individuals adapt to these circumstances.

There are several theories that assist in alleviating symptoms of both depression and anxiety as they relate to isolation. Cognitive behavioural therapy, behavioural therapy and rational emotive behavioural therapy are examples of evidence-based therapies used to treat the negative impact of isolation. These therapies include interventions such as learning and implementing problem solving strategies, engaging in pleasant activities outside of the home, maintaining involvement in social activities and other behavioural interventions geared towards improving mood and reducing anxiety. Unfortunately, these treatment modalities provide little guidance to treating negative emotional reactions to persistent isolation because the catalyst of pain is still active. This phenomenon is paralleled by how some minority groups are unable to successfully complete therapy because the locus of control or external forces are still active in their lives. 5 The authors of this study revealed that until the external forces that contribute to anxiety and depressive symptoms are addressed, marginalised populations will continue to suffer from depression and anxiety. Research by Ahmed and Conway supports the notion that external stress must be addressed before symptoms of depression and anxiety are tackled. 6 Currently, many therapists are using crisis-based techniques to stabilise clients, which include suicidal assessments, referrals to agencies that can supply the immediate need or brief solution-focused sessions. Crisis-based techniques serve as triage stabilisation until the client can be seen on a regular basis. Yet, anxiety and depression remain as isolation becomes unavoidable for some. It is readily observable that anxiety and depression are being experienced on a collective scale as a reaction to isolation, in which people live dislocated from: (a) other communities; (b) their own community; and (c) that which gives life meaning. Mental healthcare should address these forms of isolation from an approach that does not require control over external forces.

Humanistic-existential theorists have long addressed isolation as one of the existential givens (death, isolation, freedom and meaninglessness). 7 Yalom outlined three types of isolation: existential, intrapersonal and interpersonal isolation. 8 Existential isolation encapsulates the pervasive innate sense of disconnection between one’s self and the world. Humans hold an internal world that is private and necessary to survival. Therefore, some level of isolation is always experienced and is unavoidable. Even more alarming is the realisation that our time in this body is limited and that we will die; as will everyone we love. Most often, one is unaware of existential isolation or death anxiety owing to allocating cognitive resources to achieve a purpose, such as working or raising a family. 9 Awareness of existential isolation is triggered with catastrophe, loss and other major changes that highlight isolation. In the realisation of imminent loss of existence (death) and the separation it entails, the fallibility of humanness sets in. Death comes at any moment, loss is inevitable and there is a lack of whole connection. Within this sense of isolation exists an opportunity to reassess one’s life, to reflect on relationships and to make a choice regarding how to proceed. Yet, the opportunity for meaning-making and growth competes with a frantic need to avoid the discomfort of existential isolation.

As a means of avoiding despair-related to existential isolation, defence mechanisms serve to cut off emotion from cognition in order to avoid distress and despair. This form of intrapersonal isolation creates separation between parts of self. As Yalom writes, ‘intrapersonal isolation results whenever one stifles one’s own feelings or… distrust’s one’s own judgement, or buries one’s own potential’. 8 This is typically the stage in which an individual might seek out mental health services. Most depth psychologies, such as Gestalt, interpersonal, humanistic-existential and psychodynamic theories emphasise a return to psychological wholeness. One path towards wholeness exists in connecting with others. If isolation is inevitable because at the root of humanness is the loneliness of existence, then there is also connection through universal solitude. We all die and share a universal anxiety about death; we all also strive towards life and purpose. Buber wrote, ‘A great relationship… breaches the barriers of a lofty isolation, subdues its strict law and throws a bridge from self-being to self-being across the abyss of dread of the universe’ 10 , thus love serves a protective function within isolation. 8

Interpersonal isolation is the disconnect with others that most often leads to loneliness. 8 It is important to note that a sense of interpersonal isolation, or loneliness, can occur even if others are physically present. Matthews and colleagues present data indicating that the number of social connections a person holds does not predict loneliness. 11 Rather, factors such as individualistic cultural values, chronic pain, lack of face-to-face communication (technologisation of relationships), poor quality of relationships and even genetic predisposition towards loneliness are stronger predictors of loneliness. 12–15 The distress associated with loneliness varies depending on genetic sensitivity to this emotional state. 15 High levels of distress intolerance related to isolation can create an unhealthy striving towards connection at any cost that results in inauthentic relationships. 8 16 The craving for a sense of interpersonal connection cannot be fully achieved through inauthentic relationships that are devoid of meaning. Staying in abusive relationships, avoiding vulnerable conversations to maintain favour, joining too many activities so that only superficial relationships can be maintained, and connecting only through the wall of technology are attempts at staving off loneliness or out of the necessity of function, yet miss the mark of attaining true interpersonal connection. In these examples, the other in the I-Thou (I-You) mutually meaningful relationship is replaced with an object in an I-It functional relationship, whereby the object is a person or people being used to avoid loneliness. 8 10 16 In essence, loneliness can tempt individuals to create superficial relationships to soothe distress. While loneliness can negatively impact mental and physical health when experienced chronically, there are benefits to this emotional state. Humanistic-existential theorists might advise to ‘sit in the discomfort and breathe through to possibility’. 17 By allowing oneself to experience loneliness and the distress it evokes, a deepened appreciation of isolation and connectedness follows.

The humanistic-existential theory posits that loneliness is a part of the human condition and guides those faced with isolation to live more authentically and with greater awareness. 18 It is likely that the human experience of loneliness increases motivation to attend to social needs, self-preservation and personal interests. 15 In the absence of interpersonal connectedness, there exists an opportunity for self-examination and meaning-making. One might ask: ‘How can I improve the quality of my relationships so that I feel connected?’ (social needs), ‘What source of anxiety might my isolation be pointing to?’ (self-preservation) or ‘What is the state of my relationship with myself?’ (personal interests). Questions that are reflective and encourage deep thinking guide the individual towards creating a meaningful schema in which to understand stressful life events such as prolonged isolation. One research study of Chinese students discovered that meaning-making even serves as a protective factor for suicide by increasing hope. 19 Loneliness can even elicit prosocial behaviour such as sending a child to sit alone after misbehaving or a member of a group being willing to work through conflict in order to be accepted back into the group. Additionally, isolation provides space for self-reflection and meaning-making. A meaningful life is a positive indicator for mental and physical health as well as social appeal. 20 21 In a meta-analysis of existential therapies, it was found that they have a significantly positive effect on psychopathology and finding positive meaning in life. 22 Furthermore, research has shown that existential therapies can help individuals to find meaning in their challenging life circumstances and reappraise the situation to influence personal growth. 23 Bargdill and colleagues note that when faced with one’s fragility, there is an increased consciousness that enables one to pursue a sense of purpose and to appreciate life. 24 This leads to stronger relationships and gratitude. Therefore, the emotional experience of loneliness serves as a reminder to seek meaning in life and to ‘surrender ineffective ways of being’. 16 Once the isolated individuals have made sufficient use of this space, they will have gone through a process of examining the disconnect in their life to understand the self-needs present, improved prosocial motivation to connect meaningfully with others and achieved a greater sense of how to live one’s life authentically and meaningfully.

Mental health professionals can honour collective existential isolation by challenging systemic factors that negatively impact patient health and well-being. Until these external factors are addressed, many clients in marginalised groups will be unable to achieve sufficient therapeutic outcomes. 7 The power and prestige of the profession can be used to advocate for changes that reduce health disparities between communities. Also, it is imperative that service delivery be adapted for cultural relevance, as there is evidence suggesting less willingness and more stigma attached to seeking out mental healthcare in certain groups. 8 Cooperation with religious organisations 25 , non-profits, community groups and the school system can open opportunities for patients to form lasting relationships in a culturally relevant setting. Connection within a caring group of people helps patients to sustain and build on gains made from therapy or pharmacological interventions.

Finally, there is the question of how to address existential loneliness. To this end, patients should be encouraged to become more than just passive consumers of healthcare, but rather explore life’s deeper meanings through self-reflection, service to others and community advocacy. By providing opportunities to make an impact on their world and dive deeper into personal meaning, practitioners can affirm patients’ dignity and lessen the stigma associated with mental illness.

Events of the past year have exposed an already deepening isolation among people in society. Mental health professionals are often called to provide relief for those most adversely affected by isolation. During this difficult time, the groundwork can be laid for a wider flourishing of mental health service delivery, which addresses systematic fissures in society and allows for the continued growth of the patients we serve. Perhaps, this time has been an opportunity to think outside of the box about our mission and scope. Psychiatry and psychotherapy perform a necessary function that will continue to be used so long as it adapts to a client base in need of guidance for managing pervasive isolation.

Dr Vanessa Brown graduated from the Michigan School of Psychology in USA in 2013 and received a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialty in Humanistic-Existential Psychology. She is on the executive board for the Society for Humanistic Psychology, Division 32, of the American Psychological Association and serves as their Continuing Education Chair. She is also on the board for the Journal of Humanistic Psychology and is a practicing Licensed Psychologist. Her main research interests include integrating humanistic and feminist theory in the therapy room, spiritually-integrated care and social justice.

Contributors: VB, TM and AF contributed to the writing and editing of the manuscript. VB provided conceptualisation of the paper. AF was responsible for additional administrative support.

Funding: The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Competing interests: None declared.

Provenance and peer review: Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

Technology Use, Loneliness, and Isolation

Are older adults overusing the internet how much is too much.

Posted October 19, 2022 | Reviewed by Vanessa Lancaster

Understanding Loneliness
Take our Social Anxiety Test
Find a therapist near me
The Internet has served as a lifeline connecting people with family and friends and combating loneliness and isolation.
When technology takes the place of in-person relationships, it has been found to increase loneliness and disconnection.
A compulsion to use technology might ultimately harm users and contribute to real-life social isolation.

A family member recently contracted COVID-19 in France. He responded to concerned messages: “At least I have good WIFI while recuperating.”

The need for connectivity was never greater than during the darkest months of the pandemic. We texted, chatted, and Zoomed with our family and friends. We held virtual “happy hours” and had our medical appointments online, a new experience for most of us. Technology provided a lifeline.

As in-person gatherings became dangerous, those who were able gratefully turned to technology to stay connected to family and friends (Geirdal et al., 2021). Social media saved us from complete isolation.

Since those difficult days, many have been hesitant to re-emerge and re-engage in the "real” world. We are still anxious about being around too many people. We are still hesitant and fearful for our health, which means that at times we cling to our online life or hibernate in our homes .

With the re-emergence of public life, we ask ourselves how much internet use is too much? Social science research has found that for a long time, people have felt lonelier and more isolated. Pandemic measures designed to manage a health crisis have, in many ways, boosted a mental health crisis: the loneliness epidemic. Survey research indicates that 36 percent of Americans often feel lonely. For older adults, the percentages tend to be even higher.

For some people, social media has become a compulsive panacea when longing for connection. Even before the pandemic, problematic internet use was a concern for some. Excessive internet use is only one of many forms of technology compulsion, along with excessive gaming, smartphone, or social media use.

Technology compulsion, like other forms of behavior compulsion, may lead to obsessive thinking and behavior and feelings of anxiety when not connected. Technology compulsion might lead to rumination about online relationships and activities, and an over-dependence and over-engagement with online platforms.

When technology takes the place of in-person relationships, it has been found to increase loneliness and disconnection and reduce well-being. It is helpful for online connectivity to supplement in-person relationships, but if relationships are maintained primarily online, they ultimately do not satisfy.

Even as various technologies can help connect and sustain social interactions during challenging times like the COVID-19 epidemic (Gioia et al., 2021), a compulsion might ultimately harm users and contribute to real-life social isolation .

High social media use is linked to reduced positive mental health outcomes –especially feelings of well-being. On the other hand, if one uses the Internet but maintains a sense of control over their use, it can be a useful and helpful tool. Hunt et al. (2018) found that cultivating moderation by controlling and monitoring social media use is associated with positive mental health outcomes and reduced anxiety and depression .

Maintaining control and self-monitoring technology consumption may be a fruitful strategy to combat loneliness and help people cope with stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done. Heavy internet users may interpret their compulsion as a minimal problem, while a disconnection can lead to anxiety and feelings of loss.

Age and Technology Compulsion

Older adults have historically been among the least active internet users. Not being “digital natives.” The digital divide has existed for years. Many older adults have felt hesitant and uncomfortable about the computerization of life (McDonough, 2016).

In recent years, particularly during the pandemic, older adults have increased their use of social media. The fact that the Internet is indispensable is undisputed, but how much social media use is healthy (Meshi et al., 2020)?

In an ongoing project that explores the benefits of time spent in natural environments, 12 older adults of diverse backgrounds who walked three to five times a week for at least 30 minutes were asked to list the top five benefits of walking outside.

Eleven of the 12 stated that disconnecting “for a time” from their technology was one of the top benefits. If these responses indicate a need to disconnect for a time, how can we help those who unconsciously reach for their phones for connection and validation?

Despite the fact that overuse of technology may not be adaptive, access to technology is crucial for a sense of cultural competence in today’s world. Continuing to boost ease of access and use for people of all ages is important.

Acknowledging age-related cognitive and physical decline in the development of new technologies is also helpful in increasing the usability of digital tools. Current software and hardware developers rarely consider age-related difficulties in their designs.

In addition, ageism, in which older adults are perceived as less capable of understanding or using emerging technologies, may result in older adults internalizing such cultural messages and engaging with the real and virtual world accordingly (Tahmaseb et al., 2022).

Clearly, there are positive and negative outcomes linked to technology use. The question of how much is too much should be explored individually and socially. The moderate use of technological devices is beneficial. It can lead to a sense of self-efficacy and competence, whereas overuse can adversely affect well-being.

We live in a technology-infused world. All age groups use the Internet for many activities. While technology may greatly help lonely people who seek additional connections with close friends, family, or colleagues, it can become a detrimental coping strategy when overused. Total absorption in anything is generally not an adaptive coping strategy.

Geirdal, A. Ø., Ruffolo, M., Leung, J., Thygesen, H., Price, D., Bonsaksen, T., & Schoultz, M. (2021). Mental health, quality of life, well-being, loneliness and use of social media in a time of social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak. A cross-country comparative study. Journal of mental health, 30(2), 148–155. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2021.1875413

Gioia, F., Rega, V., & Boursier, V. (2021). Problematic internet use and emotional dysregulation among young people: A literature review. Clinical neuropsychiatry, 18(1), 41–54. https://doi.org/10.36131/cnfioritieditore20210104

Hunt, M. G., Marx, R., Lipson, C., & Young, J. (2018). No more FOMO: Limiting social media decreases loneliness and depression. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 37(10), 751–768. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.2018.37.10.751

McDonough, C. C. (2016). The effect of ageism on the digital divide among older adults. Journal of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, 2(008), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.24966/GGM-8662%2F100008

Meshi, D., Cotten, S. R., & Bender, A. R. (2020). Problematic social media use and perceived social isolation in older Adults: A cross-sectional study. Gerontology, 66(2), 160–168. https://doi.org/10.1159/000502577

Tahmaseb McConatha, J.; Kumar, V.K., & Magnarelli, J. (2022) Ageism, job engagement, negative stereotypes, intergenerational climate, and life satisfaction among middle-aged and older employees in a university setting. International Journal of Environmental research and Public Health, 19, (13) 7443.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9266066/

Jasmin Tahmaseb-McConatha, Ph.D. , is a professor at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. She researches aging and well-being.

Find a Therapist
Find a Treatment Center
Find a Psychiatrist
Find a Support Group
Find Online Therapy
United States
Brooklyn, NY
Chicago, IL
Houston, TX
Los Angeles, CA
New York, NY
Portland, OR
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Seattle, WA
Washington, DC
Asperger's
Bipolar Disorder
Chronic Pain
Eating Disorders
Passive Aggression
Personality
Goal Setting
Positive Psychology
Stopping Smoking
Low Sexual Desire
Relationships
Child Development
Self Tests NEW
Therapy Center
Diagnosis Dictionary
Types of Therapy

Sticking up for yourself is no easy task. But there are concrete skills you can use to hone your assertiveness and advocate for yourself.

Emotional Intelligence
Gaslighting
Affective Forecasting
Neuroscience

The Benefits of Being Alone

Get to know yourself, dance like no one’s watching, get outside, be mindful of your social media usage, remember: you don’t need to be productive.

Share this resource

Being connected to people is important for your happiness and well-being, but it’s also helpful to balance social time with taking time for yourself. Learning to be alone can give you space to think about your feelings, ideas, hopes, problems, and experiences. It’s also a great opportunity to get to know yourself better and spend time resting and relaxing.

It’s not always easy to spend time alone though. Social media—along with the pressure of creating a vibrant social life once you go to college or live on your own—might make you feel like you need to hang out with friends or do something all the time.

If you feel lonely or bored when spending time by yourself, you’re not alone in feeling this way. Read on to learn more about how you can make spending time alone more enjoyable and positive.

One of the greatest benefits of spending time alone is that it can help you develop a better understanding of who you are. The better you know yourself, the more likely you are to do things that you love, learn things that interest you, and spend time with people who make you feel good.

Knowing yourself also builds confidence that can help you navigate all types of situations. To get to know yourself better, spend time reflecting or journaling. You might try one of these journal prompts for self-discovery . You could also try a creative outlet such as making music, drawing, painting, or putting together a vision board.

Find out other ways to get to know and see yourself

When you’re alone, you’re free to try things you may feel uncomfortable doing for the first time in front of others. Being alone allows you to dance, sing, paint, play an instrument, do magic, or build something. You can try new things without being nervous about what others may think. Take this time to be silly and playful.

Want to dance right now? Try this 18-minute dance workout

If we spend most of our time with other people, we always have to be “on.” All that social time can be draining. Time for yourself is a great way to recharge your social battery and slow down for a bit.

Do whatever feels relaxing to you, whether it’s reading a book, watching TV, playing a game, or going for a walk. Taking this time to recharge might also make being with others more enjoyable, since you’ve had time to rest and might have more energy to devote to friends or group activities.

There’s a ton of research about the benefits of spending time outdoors. Taking some time in nature can be refreshing and a great way to enjoy alone time while in the good company of Mother Nature.

You don’t have to do anything fancy. Just going for a walk in your neighborhood, sitting in the park, or hiking in the woods can center you and improve your mood.

When you spend time on your own, your first instinct may be to reach for your phone and scroll on social media. There’s nothing wrong with watching some TikToks or scrolling through Instagram during your downtime, but try to be mindful of how it makes you feel.

Do you enjoy the content, or does it make you feel left out or lead you to compare yourself to others? If being on social media makes you feel down, you may want to do something else or seek out content that makes you feel good, such as a YouTube video from your favorite creator or an inspiring Pinterest board.

Learn more about how to protect your mental health when you use social media .

Alone time doesn’t necessarily need to have an end goal. If lounging in your dorm or apartment or binge-watching a show feels right to you, then do it. You don’t need to be productive when spending time with yourself. Instead, try to focus on being present and enjoying the moment.

Related resources

Tips for stressful election conversations, mental health tips for high school athletes, what i wish i knew before coming out, search resource center.

If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone right now, text, call, or chat 988 for a free confidential conversation with a trained counselor 24/7.

You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741-741.

If this is a medical emergency or if there is immediate danger of harm, call 911 and explain that you need support for a mental health crisis.

Solitude Vs. Loneliness: How To Be Alone Without Feeling Lonely

Painting Of Young Woman Standing Alone On The Edge Of A Dock During Sunset

My will was so much stronger than I had ever imagined. My confidence grew from this experience, serving as a reminder that I can, and will, be okay alone.

During the coronavirus lockdown, for instance, I worked in front of a computer all day long. I had no interaction with anyone and it was as isolating and lonely as those retreats were — if not more — for different reasons.

Let’s explore how solitude, loneliness, and isolation relate to each other, and how you can cope with unwanted feelings of loneliness and solitude.

What Is The Difference Between Solitude, Loneliness, And Isolation?

Loneliness, solitude, and isolation may seem very similar to one another, but they are not identical.

The Pros And Cons Of Solitude

Or, we may transition from feeling very excited (a positive high arousal state) to being lonely or bored (a negative low arousal state).

It is also common to have feelings of inadequacy (“I’m not enough”) , low self-esteem, and self-loathing when dealing with chronic loneliness.

Why Is Solitude Important And Who Benefits From It?

While generally understood as meaning that one has to be physically isolated from others, solitude doesn’t have to be so drastic.

Trust me — you will not be the same once your inner voice is speaking louder than all the noise that surrounds you on your journey toward embracing solitude.

How To Be Solitary Without Being Lonely

According to loneliness expert, Dr. Holt-Lunstad, the quality and quantity of our relationships directly impact how lonely we feel.

And that was odd for me because I genuinely enjoyed being around people.

If your answer to any of these questions is “no,” take steps to ensure that your solitude originates from a real desire to spend time alone and is not just a way to avoid engaging with others.

Rather, productive solitude is “ a deeper internal process ” that can sometimes be excruciating to go through and one that takes time to become a pleasant source of self-knowledge.

I turn off all the outside noise — phones, laptops, notifications — all of it.

As you get more practice with the ritual of morning solitude, you can increase the amount of time and adjust your activities accordingly.

You can be alone without being lonely, but you shouldn’t use solitude as a way of avoiding meaningful connections with other people.

How To Get Help With Feelings Of Loneliness

People who have lived in extreme isolation and loneliness have lived to tell the tale and there are ways to manage feelings of loneliness.

On top of that, my close friends were busy with their own lives and so whenever I felt lonely, I would self-isolate, using that time to read, write or watch YouTube or Netflix.

After the first two weeks of awkwardness, it was amazing! I felt very connected to the people there, even though we were all very different.

What’s more, is that simply incorporating a few hours of improv into my week spilled over onto my job.

I would strongly suggest that you take steps to volunteer or pursue a hobby where you can meet people who share similar passions, even if those steps are hard or awkward.

When I was working as a freelancer, I remember going through intense bouts of loneliness.

So I started speaking to a therapist over the phone and that made a big difference: just having someone to talk to, helped me navigate a lot of what I was feeling.

That meant that I needed to try harder to connect with myself through mindfulness and physical exercise while pushing myself to connect with others and tell them how I was feeling.

One way of easing yourself into it is to find a support group where others can support you in your journey to where you want to be.

When you feel ready to do so, you can begin sharing your own experiences. And from there, when you can, try meeting people in real life.

Working from home, I tended to remain indoors in front of my computer from the minute I woke up.

Elevating endorphins and serotonin can do wonders for improving your mood and making you feel more positive.

Closing Thoughts

Being in solitude doesn’t mean embracing a life full of isolation, loneliness, or depression .

Find Help Now

If you’re struggling with loneliness from solitude, we’ve put together resources to meet you wherever you are — whether you want someone to talk to right now, or are looking for longer-term ways to help ease your loneliness.

About the author, other articles from this author:, everything loneliness, existential loneliness: life, death and finding meaning, 85 original solitude quotes that inspire and spark thought, exploring the human condition of loneliness, getting to the heart of loneliness & depression during covid.

Pros and cons of self isolation - should it be allowed?

Download as Ogg
Download as MP3
Play Ogg in browser
Play MP3 in browser

Home-isolation for low-risk positive Covid-19 cases could become available as early as next week, as high case numbers threaten to overwhelm the country's MIQ facilities. An obvious question this raises is: why let Covid-positive people self-isolate at home when fully-vaccinated and tested New Zealanders who are stranded overseas due to the lack of MIQ spots can't? Ella Stewart reports.

To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following:

See terms of use .

Get the RNZ app

for easy access to all your favourite programmes

Subscribe to First Up

Podcast (MP3) Oggcast (Vorbis)

Communication
Recreational

Pros and Cons of Isolationism

Post author: admin
Post published: November 3, 2018
Post category: Politics
Post comments: 2 Comments

Image source: canacopegdl.com

Staying away from the affairs of others helps a country avoid costly wars and issues with other countries. After WWI, many countries grew to isolationism due to the fear of getting entangled in the affairs of other nations.

Isolationism is a philosophy used by a country to remain apart from the interactions of other groups or nations. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of practicing isolationism.

1 . Peace: Through isolationism, a country promotes peace in its activities since it’s not involved in any conflict with other nations and focuses more on its own needs.

2 . Reduced spending on military budgets: When a country has an isolationist stance, there is no involvement with external conflicts and no need to keep an expensive military team. This saves the country a lot of funds which can be used in the growth of other areas.

3 . Helps avoid entangling alliances: It enables a country to shy away from complicated alliances which brings more problems to the country and be involved in conflicts.

4 . Focus on domestic issues: Isolationism enables a country to increase focus on its own domestic affairs without involving other nations. The country is not distracted by trying to balance its affairs and foreign affairs.

5 . Help solve ethnic coexistence: Isolationism helps a country to solve issues associated with diversity and ethnic coexistence between several groups of people brought by immigration.

6 . Increases productivity: Isolationism enables a nation to utilize its resources within its boundaries to create new opportunities and markets thus increasing productivity and generating more wealth.

7 . Avoid wars: After WW1, the US government got into isolationism to prevent future wars and also to reduce casualties on American soldiers who are involved in wars. George Washington argued that by avoiding wars the country will recover from the WW1 losses.

1 . Vulnerable to attacks: Isolating the country from world affairs makes the country more vulnerable to attacks.

2 . Slow economic growth: The country is not involved in trade agreements with other nations and this affects its national economy. It resulted in less trade which led to a less stable economy.

3 . Affects globalization: In today’s global market, isolationism will affect the growth of the nation since its government or state will not be able to interact and trade with other nations.

4 . Affects negotiation of world peace: Isolationism prevents a nation from participating in the negotiations of world peace rather than perpetuating violence.

5 . Affects inter-relationships among countries: It prevents a country from forming a good relationship with the neighboring country since it is isolated. The country will not be able to help another country involved in the holocaust or injustice dues to its isolation. It lets other countries to suffer.

6 . No ally support: The nation will not get ally support for wars from other nations since it made a decision to isolate its country or state from interaction with other nations.

7 . No export profit: The country will not be involved in trade agreements with other nationals and will not gain export profits from trading their produce to other nations. More tariffs were imposed on foreign goods to shield manufacturers.

8 . Ruin global reputation: Isolationism angers other nations and the nation will not be able to advance outside ideas and this affects its reputation. It affected industrial growth and immigration issues in the country.

9 . Weak nation: A country not actively involved in wars and conflicts makes their army and marines unexperienced to counteract any attack. Isolationism reduces the nation’s readiness to attack.

Pros and cons of representative democracy

Pros and Cons of Newfoundland Joining Confederation

Pros and Cons of Individualism

This post has 2 comments.

The cons sound alot like the pros

how tf did George Washignton now how to fix the economy for a war that didn’t start until 115 years after his death?

Article Contents

< Previous

Social Isolation and Loneliness: The Pros and Cons of Technological Interventions

Article contents
Figures & tables
Supplementary Data

George Demiris, Social Isolation and Loneliness: The Pros and Cons of Technological Interventions, Innovation in Aging , Volume 4, Issue Supplement_1, 2020, Page 714, https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2515

Permissions Icon Permissions

A variety of technologies have been proposed, tested, and used to reduce social isolation and loneliness [SIL]. Furthermore, information technology may offer a way to detect or predict patterns of SIL. In this paper, the range of technology tools for assessment (e.g., passive monitoring, tracking data patterns, electronic health records) and intervention (e.g., social robots, social media, virtual reality) are reviewed for evidence of impact, and consideration is given for related ethical issues. The role of technology in relation to the report’s recommendations is discussed, including assessment and testing of new technological interventions for their potential benefits and harms, consideration of contextual issues such as broadband access, and the role of technology in education and training. Finally, gap areas of research are explored, such as the impact of the use of technology among current younger adults as they age. Part of a symposium sponsored by Loneliness and Social Isolation Interest Group.

Month:	Total Views:
December 2020	6
January 2021	4
February 2021	2
March 2021	7
April 2021	12
May 2021	16
June 2021	5
July 2021	5
August 2021	4
September 2021	5
October 2021	8
November 2021	9
December 2021	13
January 2022	4
February 2022	8
March 2022	11
April 2022	2
May 2022	3
June 2022	11
July 2022	1
August 2022	4
September 2022	4
October 2022	9
November 2022	7
December 2022	3
January 2023	6
February 2023	16
March 2023	15
April 2023	12
May 2023	4
June 2023	4
July 2023	5
August 2023	4
September 2023	5
October 2023	11
November 2023	6
December 2023	5
January 2024	2
February 2024	3
March 2024	1
April 2024	9
May 2024	5
June 2024	3
July 2024	3
August 2024	3

Email alerts

Citing articles via.

Advertising and Corporate Services

Affiliations

Online ISSN 2399-5300
About Oxford Academic
Publish journals with us
University press partners
What we publish
New features
Open access
Institutional account management
Rights and permissions
Get help with access
Accessibility
Advertising
Media enquiries
Oxford University Press
Oxford Languages
University of Oxford

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide

Cookie settings
Cookie policy
Privacy policy
Legal notice

This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of self-study?

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Writing9 with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Fully explain your ideas

To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

Paragraph 1 - Introduction
Sentence 1 - Background statement
Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
Sentence 3 - Thesis
Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
Sentence 2 - Example
Sentence 3 - Discussion
Sentence 4 - Conclusion
Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
Sentence 1 - Summary
Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

Discover more tips in The Ultimate Guide to Get a Target Band Score of 7+ » — a book that's free for 🚀 Premium users.

Check your IELTS essay »
Find essays with the same topic
View collections of IELTS Writing Samples
Show IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics

Some people think that children should only read academic book. Other believe that reading books for pleasure is equally important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices. to what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement, some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. others say that there are more important environmental problems. discuss both points of view and give your own opinion., the position of women has changed a great deal in many societies over the past 50 years. but these societies cannot claim to have achieved gender equality. to what extent do you agree or disagree, some cites have few controls over the design and construction of housing and office buildings. people think that they should be free to choose the design they like. do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Listening Tests
Academic Tests
General Tests
IELTS Writing Checker
IELTS Writing Samples
Speaking Club
IELTS AI Speaking Test Simulator
Latest Topics
Vocabularying

pros and cons of self-studying

IELTS essay pros and cons of self-studying

Structure your answers in logical paragraphs
? One main idea per paragraph
Include an introduction and conclusion
Support main points with an explanation and then an example
Use cohesive linking words accurately and appropriately
Vary your linking phrases using synonyms
Try to vary your vocabulary using accurate synonyms
Use less common question specific words that accurately convey meaning
Check your work for spelling and word formation mistakes
Use a variety of complex and simple sentences
Check your writing for errors
Answer all parts of the question
? Present relevant ideas
Fully explain these ideas
Support ideas with relevant, specific examples
? Currently is not available
Meet the criteria
Doesn't meet the criteria
5 band Describe an interesting city you know and like Where is it? How did you go there? What did you do there? Explain why you found it so interesting. The most interesting city for me is Nha Trang city where my family went 3 years ago. This place was so fascinating memories on the bus to travel on the road. The white sand and the sunshines down on the coconut canopyand the bright sunshines make me can’t forget enjoyable feeling at that time. On th ...
5.5 band you and some friend discussing what to do in coming sumer break. there are three choices: attending a health club, attending a language club, atteanding cooking club. which one do you think is the best choice. I have a plan to join a health club with two close friends during summer vacation. Although the language and the cooking club was also opened, it attracted a lot of participants and I was also recommended by friends. However, I dedicate my interest to the topic of health and a club about the field w ...
5 band My favourite way to communicate . In this modern time of technology, smartphone, computer and other communication tools have become of utmost important in our daily life. They are several different ways to communicate with friends, but as far as I am concerned, I prefer face-to-face with my friends. First of all, face-to-face commu ...
5 band In the contemporary world. Media spread widely between teenagers and adults. Most individuals addicted to it. And it is difficult to escape it. It has many drawbacks in our lives. Following paragraphs I would cast light my position. Nevertheless, media for instance, internet and other applications Facebook, instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, are becoming more common. It has more outweights for children. We surf the internet and we spend our valuable times for it. Without knowing it is harmful our studies. Admittedly technology bring ...
5.5 band No doubt, marriage play crucial role in every humans life, but in the modern era individuals spend a large amount of money on wedding ceremonies. So, some people think that it is fruitful increment for all human beings. Yet, I entirely disagree with above mentioned notion. To embark with there are ample of reasons why folk do not spend large amount on marriages, but the prominent logic are: wastage of time and money on wedding. People do these kind of activities for show off. Due to this they face number of problems such as they purchase different kind of dishes as we ...
6 band Choose university for Taro who has requirements about cost, facilities Australia is a place for international students, which specialize in IT. Taro is Japanese student who wants to study about IT in Australia. Cost is important to him. He would prefer a small university with good services for international students. Combine simple sentences However, each university ha ...

Get the Reddit app

r/AskReddit is the place to ask and answer thought-provoking questions.

What’s the pros & cons of self-isolation?

By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Create your username and password.

Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Choose a Reddit account to continue

IMAGES

Self-isolation Information sheet
Pros & Cons of Isolation by Santiago Restrepo on Prezi
Self-isolation
Stress and Isolation
🐈 Pros and cons essay example. 50 Pros and Cons Essay Topics For
Social Media Use and Perceived Social Isolation

COMMENTS

Being Alone: The Pros and Cons of Time Alone
Cons of Being Alone Being Alone Makes Us Vulnerable to Our Inner Critics. Being alone with our thoughts isn't always a good thing. Isolation can be the perfect breeding ground for negative, self-critical thoughts. We all have an inner critic, a nasty coach that lives inside our heads and seeks any opportunity to criticize us.
Is self-isolating alone actually bad for our mental health?
Chris Chambers, the journal's Registered Report editor concludes the blog with a summary of the call for papers to date. In the run-up to lockdown psychologists feared the impact self-isolation could have on mental health. We worried that adults, and especially older ones, would feel lonely, depressed and anxious when stuck at home.
The risks of social isolation
Effects of loneliness and isolation. As demonstrated by a review of the effects of perceived social isolation across the life span, co-authored by Hawkley, loneliness can wreak havoc on an individual's physical, mental and cognitive health (Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, Vol. 370, No. 1669, 2015). Hawkley points to ...
Essay About Being Alone: 5 Examples And 8 Prompts
Pros and Cons of Being Alone. While being alone has several benefits, such as personal exploration or reflection, time to reboot, etc., too much isolation can also have disadvantages. Conduct research into the pros and cons of alone time, and pick a side to create a compelling argumentative essay. Then, write these in your essay.
Things To Do Alone: The Benefits of Being By Yourself
While there are downsides to loneliness, evidence suggests that a certain amount of time alone is critical to well-being—especially as we get older. Doing things by yourself can increase your feelings of peace and solitude. It also helps you avoid the distractions, opinions, or influences of others.
Being Alone: The Pros and Cons of Keeping to Yourself
Being Alone Helps Our Brains Recharge. Socializing will always be beneficial for proper brain function, but occasionally shutting your brain off is a boon, too—it's all about balance. An empty house, free of distractions, allows you to clear your mind and begin thinking more clearly. Just don't forget to eat well and get plenty of sleep ...
Can Social Isolation Be Positive?
Knight's self-imposed isolation starkly contrasts our natural disposition toward others. Humans are inherently social creatures and have a seemingly innate drive for interaction, camaraderie, and ...
The Psychological Benefits of Being Alone
Accept it for what it is. Let it emerge calmly and truthfully and don't resist it," Fong says. "Your alone time should not be something that you're afraid of.". Yet, at the same time, it is ...
How Important Is Alone Time for Mental Health?
However, alone time, which is sometimes called private time or solitary time and simply means spending time by yourself, is also good for you as it plays a positive role in mental health. Being around other people comes with rewards, but it also creates stress. You might worry about what people think or alter your behavior to avoid rejection ...
Why being a loner may be good for your health
Recent research has given us a better understanding of why. One benefit of unsociability is the brain's state of active mental rest, which goes hand-in-hand with the stillness of being alone ...
Loneliness and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness and social isolation were so prevalent across Europe, the USA, and China (10-40%) (Leigh-Hunt et al., 2017; Xia and Li, 2018) that it was described as a "behavioral epidemic" (Jeste et al., 2020 ). The situation has only worsened with the restrictions imposed to contain viral spread.
Isolation and mental health: thinking outside the box
Isolation and mental health: thinking outside the box. Social isolation is a universal human experience, impacting whole communities at times and reminding each individual of our need for connection. Isolation weaves through life on an intrapersonal, interpersonal and existential level; all individuals experience this phenomenon, to varying ...
Technology Use, Loneliness, and Isolation
Maintaining control and self-monitoring technology consumption may be a fruitful strategy to combat loneliness and help people cope with stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, this is often easier ...
The Benefits of Being Alone
Being connected to people is important for your happiness and well-being, but it's also helpful to balance social time with taking time for yourself. Learning to be alone can give you space to think about your feelings, ideas, hopes, problems, and experiences. It's also a great opportunity to get to know yourself better and spend time ...
Solitude Vs. Loneliness: How To Be Alone But Not Lonely
According to recent research, solitude allows us to emotionally self-regulate by providing us with a way to pause all the noise, giving us the means to process all the things that often overwhelm us. Other benefits of solitude include opportunities for: Calmness and clarity. Productivity. Concentration.
Pros and cons of self isolation
Ella Stewart reports. Home-isolation for low-risk positive Covid-19 cases could become available as early as next week, as high case numbers threaten to overwhelm the country's MIQ facilities. An obvious question this raises is: why let Covid-positive people self-isolate at home when fully-vaccinated and tested New Zealanders who are stranded ...
Pros and Cons of Isolationism
Cons: 1. Vulnerable to attacks: Isolating the country from world affairs makes the country more vulnerable to attacks. 2. Slow economic growth: The country is not involved in trade agreements with other nations and this affects its national economy. It resulted in less trade which led to a less stable economy. 3.
Social Isolation and Loneliness: The Pros and Cons of Technological
Calls for Papers Author Guidelines ... Self-Archiving Policy Why Submit to the GSA Portfolio? Alerts Advertise Advertising & Corporate Services ... Social Isolation and Loneliness: The Pros and Cons of Technological Interventions, Innovation in Aging, Volume 4, Issue Supplement_1, ...
What are the advantages and disadvantages of self-study?
has. characteristic approaches, but students generally learn passively. Self-study is beneficial in the long term as we can absorb knowledge actively and focus on fields that we are weak. at. to improve. Furthermore. , searching and exploring information ourselves will help us commit it longer. On the other hand.
IELTS essay pros and cons of self-studying
Moreover, you will be more healthier and have more time for better studying. However, there are some drawbacks to studying at home, such as the increased likelihood of distractions. Television, movies, music, video games, roommates, family will waste your time. In addition, arranging time and priority to study also have a disadvantage.
What's the pros & cons of self-isolation? : r/AskReddit
44M subscribers in the AskReddit community. r/AskReddit is the place to ask and answer thought-provoking questions.