Survey Finds Three-Quarters of Americans (75%) Feel Lonely

Some osteopathic physicians prescribe social media as a cure for social isolation

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Nov 12, 2019, 09:00 ET

CHICAGO, Nov. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey finds 75% of American adults feel a sense of loneliness—an increase from the 72% reported in the 2016 AOA Loneliness in America poll. The surveys, which were commissioned by the American Osteopathic Association and conducted online by The Harris Poll, offer key metrics because loneliness has a significant impact on overall health.

"Feeling isolated can alter a patient's ability to comply with their health care treatment, make healthy lifestyle choices and engage meaningfully with society," says Robert Greer, DO, an osteopathic family physician in West Palm Beach, Florida. "Human connection, whether online or in-person, bolsters health and wellness."

Social media, often vilified for creating loneliness and isolation, can have a positive effect when used effectively, osteopathic physicians suggest. It can improve social support and lead to real-life connections and community.

"Social media provides an opportunity to find that support network even when it's not in your immediate, physical environment," says Dr. Greer. "If you are not using social media for social engagement then you are likely going to feel left out."

Using social media to solve the loneliness epidemic

In the fall of 2016, Americans were in the midst of a polarizing presidential election. Social media channels were flooded with opinions and questionable news articles that caused conflict in families and communities. Since then, many Americans have adjusted their use of social media sites to preserve their emotional health, according to Dr. Greer.

Social media has diversified and expanded in past years. At 38, Dr. Greer is a millennial who considers platforms like Meetup, Fortnite and Nextdoor an important evolution of traditional social media channels like Facebook and Twitter. He suggests that tapping into tools that enable shared connections through a digital space can decrease feelings of isolation.

Dr. Greer notes that many of his patients now participate in esports, or online gaming competitions, instead of outdoor sports like soccer. As a physician, he laments the loss of physical activity among his patients but says the games cultivate useful skills that can help adolescents and adults socially and mentally. It can also build a network of friends from different cultures and countries.

"I know it sounds a little unusual for a physician to prescribe social media but we must think outside the box to stop the loneliness epidemic from continuing to spread," says Dr. Greer. "Three-quarters of Americans are lonely. That's taking a real toll on our country's emotional health."

Seniors citizens have the most to gain

The elderly are living longer and often face additional physical challenges that impede social activities. Teaching seniors to play games online, find appropriate Facebook Groups, or even navigate dating sites, can help them connect in new ways, says Jennifer Caudle, DO, associate professor of family medicine at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine.

"I partner with my older patients to evaluate their emotional state and its impact on their physical wellbeing," says Dr. Caudle. "For those who suffer from issues including anxiety, immobility or isolation, an online community can be life-changing."

Engagement in online communities will play out differently by generation, interest and technological capability but can provide rich meaning to real life. Seniors who can successfully navigate social networks stand to gain the most, says Dr. Caudle.

About the AOA
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) represents more than 145,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students; promotes public health; encourages scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for DOs; and is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical schools. To learn more about DOs and the osteopathic philosophy of medicine, visit www.DoctorsThatDO.org.

Survey Method
The 2019 survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of AOA from September 19-23, 2019 among 2,076 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. The 2016 survey was conducted September 19-21, 2016 among 2,035 U.S. adults. These online surveys are not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodologies, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Jessica Bardoulas.

SOURCE American Osteopathic Association