health
Here are the top 3 ways Americans deal with loneliness—none of them involve reaching out to other people
More than half of adults turn to TV, movies and music when they feel lonely. Here's what experts think are the best coping mechanisms.
TL;DR
- 41% of U.S. adults report feeling lonely frequently.
- When lonely, 54% watch TV/movies/videos, 54% listen to music, 44% sleep, and 38% use social media.
- Experts view media consumption as emotional regulation that can numb discomfort and pacify uncertainty.
- Over-reliance on media for loneliness can be a form of avoiding life's challenges.
- Recommended coping mechanisms include journaling, prayer, coloring, spending time outdoors, and physical activity.
- Direct social interaction releases feel-good neurochemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin.
- Finding comfortable social connections and making an effort to maintain them leads to feeling less lonely.