“That’s A You Problem”: Person Gives Lonely Men A Reality Check, Gets One Back As Well

No matter who you are, you can’t thrive without genuine social connections. Relationships are a core part of the human experience, and you can’t change that we’re all social beings. However, loneliness is a sprawling problem, and it has massive adverse effects on people’s physical, mental, and emotional health. According to Gallup, daily loneliness affects one-fifth of all people living in the United States.

One anonymous internet user recently went viral online after sharing their somewhat controversial thoughts on how to solve the male loneliness epidemic, which they call a “self-pitying problem.” Scroll down for their take on this social issue, about what connections they think are worthwhile, and read how the internet reacted to them. The responses were quite mixed, with plenty of supporters, as well as lots of critics.

Loneliness is a major problem that affects many people around the world

Man contemplating solutions for male loneliness, looking out a sunlit window.

Image credits: unsplash (not the actual photo)

One anonymous internet user started an intense conversation about male loneliness by suggesting that men need to change their approach

Text discussing a solution to the male loneliness epidemic problem and sharing a personal story.

Text discussing men's loneliness: Engage with curiosity over desire as a solution.

Text discussing the male loneliness epidemic and its causes, focusing on societal roles and romantic validation.

Text discussing the male loneliness epidemic in a white background with black font.

Text discussing male loneliness and the neglect of social opportunities due to the male loneliness epidemic.

Text discussing male loneliness epidemic and social isolation, highlighting self-inflicted social starvation.

Man in a bar discusses solution for male loneliness with woman, holding drinks.

Image credits: unsplash (not the actual photo)

Text image discussing the male loneliness epidemic and questioning the motives behind conversations.

Text discussing solutions for male loneliness, questioning personal engagement and community contribution efforts.

Text on addressing male loneliness through active engagement and openness.

Text image discussing loneliness and self-engagement, related to the male loneliness epidemic solution.

Text suggesting a simple solution to the male loneliness epidemic by encouraging social interaction.

Image credits: [deleted]

A fifth of Americans and over a fifth of people around the world struggle with daily loneliness

Man using smartphone on sofa, dimly lit room, discussing male loneliness epidemic solution online.

Image credits: unsplash (not the actual photo)

As per Gallup, 20% of American adults reported feeling loneliness “a lot of the day yesterday.” This is higher than the 17% to 18% range that was seen after the last few quarters but still lower than the 25% rate during the pandemic.

Globally, around 23% (more than a fifth) of people have felt loneliness on a similar level.

It’s estimated that around 52 million Americans struggle with loneliness in some shape or form. According to Gallup, daily loneliness in the United States is linked to current life satisfaction and anticipated life satisfaction in five years.

“Those experiencing daily loneliness are nearly five times as likely as those who do not report daily loneliness to rate their current life poorly.”

Furthermore, lonely adults are 23% less likely to be optimistic about their future selves compared to people who aren’t lonely.

There are three main factors that are linked to a person’s reduced probability of experiencing loneliness.

These are liking what you do every day, your friends and family giving you positive energy every day, and feeling active and productive every day in the last week.

In other words, from a well-being perspective, it’s important to like what you do at work or during your spare time. It’s also vital to be surrounded by positive people who empower you rather than drain you. And it’s essential that you stay active and take care of your health.

Human beings need to be social to stay healthy. Loneliness impacts health, happiness, and longevity

Person in a hooded sweater stands alone by the sea, reflecting on the male loneliness epidemic.

Image credits: unsplash (not the actual photo)

Verywell Mind warns that loneliness can lead to altered brain function, Alzheimer’s disease progression, antisocial behavior, cardiovascular disease, decreased memory, depression, increased stress levels, and poor decision-making.

Moreover, lonely adults are also more likely to exercise less, eat more unhealthy foods, and sleep more poorly. They’re also predisposed to premature aging.

High levels of loneliness are generally associated with living alone, physical health symptoms, small social networks, and low-quality social relationships. Loneliness can also be somewhat ‘contagious,’ as spending time with lonely people can make someone develop feelings of loneliness, too.

On the flip side, less lonely people tend to be married, have higher incomes, and have higher educational status.

“Having a few close friends is enough to ward off loneliness and reduce the negative health consequences associated with this state of mind. Research suggests that the experience of actual face-to-face contact with friends helps boost people’s sense of well-being,” Verywell Mind states.

While easier said than done, loneliness can be overcome with a conscious effort to change your life for the sake of more health and happiness. It all starts with making small changes to your day-to-day routine. And, gradually, you’ll start noticing results.

You could start volunteering from time to time, trying to be more grateful and positive, trying out new hobbies and activities, talking to new people wherever you might meet them, and making a focused effort to strengthen the positive relationships you already have.

What are your thoughts about the loneliness epidemic around the world, dear Pandas? How would you ‘solve’ it? Have you ever struggled with loneliness? If so, how did you change things for the better? How do you make new friends now that you’re all grown up? We’d love to hear from you, so if you have a moment, share your thoughts in the comments below.

The online post sparked a heated discussion, with many people having wildly different opinions about the entire issue

Discussion of male loneliness epidemic; text exchange highlighting relationship perceptions.

Comment discussing a proposed solution to the male loneliness epidemic through unexpected connections.

User discusses male loneliness, mentioning societal issues, marriage, and misleading influences in an online post.

Comment discussing the male loneliness epidemic and challenging stereotypes with skepticism.

Text discussing male loneliness epidemic, highlighting challenges in social connection due to technology and lack of third spaces.

Text discussing male loneliness epidemic and societal stereotypes in a critical online debate.

Social isolation issue discussed in response to male loneliness epidemic stirring online conversations.

Man discusses the male loneliness epidemic and personal experiences in a detailed online comment.

Text discussing the male loneliness epidemic, highlighting the need for empathy and understanding in society’s response.

Discussion text addressing male loneliness epidemic and societal expectations.

Comment addressing the male loneliness epidemic, suggesting it's not just an individual issue.

Comment on male loneliness epidemic, expressing frustration about stereotypes in discussions online.

Reddit user shares insights on the male loneliness epidemic, highlighting societal and personal challenges in connection.

Comment discussing the male loneliness epidemic and romantic relationships.

Text discussing a solution for male loneliness, suggesting non-transactional relationships to improve fulfillment.

Comment discussing male loneliness epidemic and relationships on a forum.

Reddit post discussing solutions for the male loneliness epidemic and encouraging community building.

Text comment addressing male loneliness epidemic and stereotypes.

Comment discussing male loneliness, suggesting offline interaction for friendships or relationships instead of online complaining.

Reddit comment discussing male loneliness epidemic and personality disorders in a candid manner.

Comment discussing male loneliness, mentioning reasons behind seeking relationships to avoid loneliness.

Post expressing frustration over the male loneliness epidemic, highlighting difficulties with forming relationships.

Text comment criticizing advice on male loneliness epidemic.

Online comment reacting to a proposal addressing male loneliness epidemic.

Comment on addressing male loneliness by engaging with strangers for community rebuilding.

Poll Question

Total votes ·

Thanks! Check out the results:

Total votes ·

Newsletter

Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls

Subscribe

By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.

Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!