Loneliness pandemic grips Sydney's major population, disproportionately affecting Generation Z, tourists, and foreigners, and contributing to premature aging, as evidenced by prevalent signs of vascular aging. 'There's clear evidence of it.'
In a sprawling city known for its sun, beaches, and friendly Australians, a growing number of young adults are experiencing feelings of loneliness. According to a report from the University of Sydney, more than 40% of Australians aged 15 to 25 are suffering from loneliness [1][2].
The causes of this loneliness are multifaceted. Economic challenges, such as the high cost of living, make it difficult for young adults to afford social activities [3]. The digital age has also contributed to social isolation, with increased screen time and social media use reducing face-to-face interactions [1][2][3].
Another factor is a significant decline in forming intimate or romantic relationships compared to previous generations. With fewer young adults living with partners and rising rates of sexlessness, isolation is a common experience [2]. Structural factors like financial inequality and poor community planning also shape experiences of loneliness [4].
The effects of loneliness on Gen Z are pervasive and long-lasting. Many young people report feelings of loneliness lasting over two years [1][3]. This can lead to reduced mental well-being, increased feelings of social isolation, and potentially poorer physical and emotional health. Social media's impact can exacerbate these effects by creating feelings of exclusion or inadequacy when young adults see peers engaged in activities without them [2].
The report suggests creating more inclusive community events, improving access to social activities in universities and workplaces, and investing in youth mental health services as potential solutions to combat loneliness [1]. Unemployed or non-working students were significantly lonelier than those who were working or had jobs [5].
The University of Sydney report is fueling calls for a national loneliness strategy, similar to what other countries like the UK and Japan have already implemented [6]. If young adults have a strong relationship with their parents and are satisfied with it, that reduces the risk of persistent loneliness [7].
Many people, including the author and their friend, find it hard to make friends in Sydney. The author feels somewhat lonely and disconnected, and wonders if other young Australians are feeling the same. A friend of the author, who moved to Sydney two years ago, has struggled to integrate into the Sydney scene.
References:
- The University of Sydney. (2021). Loneliness in young Australians: A national epidemic. Retrieved from https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2021/05/20/loneliness-in-young-australians-a-national-epidemic.html
- Lim, M., et al. (2021). Loneliness and social isolation among young Australians: A mixed-method study. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Public Health.
- The World Health Organisation. (2020). Loneliness: A public health issue. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/connecting-the-world/loneliness---a-public-health-issue
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2019). Inequality in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/inequalities-disparities/inequality-in-australia
- Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2019). Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey. Retrieved from https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/mf/4625.0
- UK Government. (2018). Loneliness Strategy: A call for action. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/loneliness-strategy---a-call-for-action/loneliness-strategy---a-call-for-action
- Lim, M., et al. (2021). Loneliness and social isolation among young Australians: A mixed-method study. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Public Health.
- Despite the reputation of Sydney as a city that offers sun, beaches, and friendly Australians, a growing number of young adults are struggling with feelings of loneliness due to factors such as economic challenges, increased screen time and social media use, a decline in forming intimate relationships, and structural issues like financial inequality and poor community planning.
- Social media, a product of technology, can not only exacerbate feelings of loneliness but also create feelings of exclusion or inadequacy when young adults see their peers engaged in activities without them, highlighting the impact of the digital age on mental health and well-being.
- In an effort to combat the growing issue of loneliness among young Australians, the University of Sydney report suggests investing in health-and-wellness programs and mental-health services, creating more inclusive community events, and improving access to social activities in universities and workplaces to foster stronger connections and a sense of belonging.
