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Lonely People’s Brain Activity Shows They Process the World Uniquely
Not only does their brain activity differ from non-lonely people, but they also differ from other lonely people
We, humans, are a social species, meaning that having genuine connections with others is crucial for our health. Feeling isolated and alone can lead to devastating consequences for both our bodies and minds. Loneliness is a sucky feeling we all experience at some point, but it’s also an inescapable part of life. Feeling like an outsider or like we’re constantly misunderstood either leads us toward growth or brings out the worst part of ourselves — sometimes both.
The Pandemic has exacerbated feelings of loneliness in a whole new and unexpected way. It’s causing massive social problems, in some cases life-threatening ones. Thankfully, psychologists and neuroscientists are working hard to learn how loneliness affects the brain and hoping to find a solution. Because even if we don’t personally feel lonely, we can see its effects in society, and that does (or will) impact us. Not to mention bringing awareness might help us notice or take seriously when someone we know shows signs of loneliness.
