A growing trend of remote work, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is contributing to an epidemic of loneliness among young adults, according to a study by the Resolution Foundation. The report suggests that the shift away from in-person workplaces has removed a crucial source of daily social interaction for individuals aged 18-29.
The study, which analyzed diary data tracking how people spend their days across the UK, found that young men spend nearly seven hours a day alone, representing over 40% of their waking hours. Young women report spending approximately five hours a day alone. In contrast, older generations have seen a reversal, with women over 60 and men over 70 spending more time in social company than a decade ago.
Beyond remote work, the study identifies extensive screen time as another significant factor. Young adults who are almost constantly online are nearly 4% more likely to report feeling lonely. Those aged 18-29 experienced loneliness 14% of the time, a rate double that reported by individuals aged 60-69.
The impact of isolation is more pronounced for those in poor health. In 2023, 18-29-year-olds who self-described their health as bad spent over three hours more per day alone compared to their healthier counterparts.
Parth Pandya, a researcher at the Resolution Foundation, stated that while screen time is often cited as the primary cause of youth loneliness, solitary paid work is a more significant contributor. He emphasized that policymakers seeking to improve young people's well-being should consider the role of work alongside screen time in public health discussions.