Apparently loneliness is a huge problem in the UK, whatever socio-economic background you come from. And, most interestingly, it affects the really loaded people - which is proof that money doesn't buy you happiness (would still like to test that theory out, mind).
According to various members of the clergy - who answered questions about the problems people are facing - social isolation was the only problem that affected both wealthy, and deprived areas. Which is weird, when you think about how 'social' everything has become, and how connected we all think we are - from Twitter to Whatsapp, there's always someone either trying to talk to you, or waiting for a reply. So why are we all so lonely?
In terms of geography, nearly 75% of vicars thought it was a major problem, in comparison to 61% in the East of England and 58% in the South East. Pretty ironically, the places that are the most populated are also the most lonely, but it's an issue affecting people everywhere; a survey last year reported that five million people in the UK say they have no close friends. And the majority of people had more contact with their bosses and colleagues than their own friends and family.
It's certainly not just older people who are feeling lonely - according to another study conducted last year, three in 10 of people aged between 18 and 24 say they feel lonely at least some of the time, which is almost the same rate as that among those over 65 (31 per cent). Is it that we're too overworked to put effort into our socialising? Are we so constantly connected online that IRL social events just seem too much?
It's impossible to say, but the Church reckons it's because of a drop in community gatherings, as more and more people turn to isolated past times online or via social media. '“We see through our work all around this country the damage that loneliness and isolation brings to people’s lives,' 'It is fantastic to see the difference that churches are making in local communities, re-building hope and growing meaningful relationships.'
If you don't go to church, then you can always start getting out of the house more - rather than sending your mates stupid links on Facebook, try actually meeting face to face. It's weird how stuff like that can slip off your priority list if you're working five jobs, so wealthy you don't have to work, or just content with hanging out at home. One thing's for sure, loneliness is a growing problem - and the fact that it has coincided with the rise of social media can't be a coincidence.
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Picture: Matilda Hill Jenkins
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.