Social Connection: The Present

Feb 19th, 2026

In 2023, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation was published as a U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the healing effects of social connection and community. The findings and guidance in the advisory draw upon scientific literature and previously published recommendations from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Heart Association, and the World Health Organization; and are informed by consultations with subject matter experts from academia, health care, education, government, and more. Due to its profound insight on social connection, we're sharing highlights—across a three-part series—to inform our community and support their wellbeing.

Social connection can encompass the interactions, relationships, roles, and sense of connection individuals, communities, or society may experience. It's not about the number of close relationships we have—it's the extent to which we feel connected based on factors such as: structure, function, and quality. Social connection is dynamic and changes over time.

You can also think of social connection as defined through three aspects:

1. It's a continuum. It's not a matter of someone being lonely or not. Evidence says that's it's more about falling somewhere on a continuum of low to high social connection.
2. It's dynamic. The amount and quality of social connection in our lives is not static. It changes over time and can be improved or compromised in many ways and for many reasons. What matters is how long we remain on one end of the continuum. Temporary or transient feelings of loneliness is normal and can even help us manage social demands; but chronic loneliness and/or isolation can lead to health concerns.
3. It can be complex. Much like the absence of disease does not equate to good health, the absence of social deficits (e.g. loneliness) does not necessarily equate to high levels of social connection. For example, an individual who has regular contact with colleagues through work may not be isolated or feel lonely; but they may still not feel adequately supported or have high-quality, close relationships (i.e. high social connection).

Current Trends

From 2003 to 2020, time spent alone increased while time spent on in-person social engagement decreased. Note that trend was before a COVID-19 pandemic that exacerbated loneliness and isolation in many ways. A few stats to keep in mind (2003-2020):

• Social isolation ↑ 24 hours per month
• Household family social engagement ↓ 5 hours per month
• Companionship ↓ 14 hours per month
• Social engagement with friends ↓ 20 hours per month
• Social engagement with others ↓ 10 hours per month

---

"In 1960, single-person households accounted for only 13% of all U.S. households. In 2022, it more than doubled to 29% of all households."

---

Awareness of societal trends that include a shift in demographics can help all of us cultivate ways to foster sufficient social connection outside of chosen traditional means and structures.

Take a look at the following interrelated factors that contribute to social connection and its associated risks and protection of health:

The takeaway from these factors is that social connection is more than a personal issue—it's the structural and social characteristics of the community that also produce the settings in which people build, maintain, and grow their social connections.

Currently, studies find the highest prevalence for loneliness and isolation among people with:

• Poor physical or mental health
• Disabilities
• Financial insecurity
• Those who live alone
• Those who are single parents
• Those in younger and older populations

Additional at-risk groups may include individuals from ethnic and racial minority groups, LGBTQ+ individuals, rural residents, victims of domestic violence, and those who experience discrimination or marginalization.

Impacts of Connection

If you've heard that lacking social connection is as dangerous as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, there is a basis for it.

---

“Over four decades of research has produced robust evidence that lacking social connection—and in particular, scoring high on measures of social isolation—is associated with a significantly increased risk for early death from all causes.” (NASEM)

---

In fact, research shows that the lack of social connection is an independent risk factor for deaths from all causes, including deaths caused by diseases.

The evidence linking social connection to physical health is strong in cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, infectious diseases, cognitive function, depression and anxiety; and strongest in suicidality and self-harm. Social isolation is arguably the most reliable predictor of suicidal ideation, attempts, and lethal suicidal behavior.

This raises attention to the critical role that social connection plays in individual and societal health and well-being. But we have the power to respond. Next in our series, we highlight the opportunity to strengthen our relationships and support community efforts to rebuild social connection.

Source: Office of U.S. Surgeon General - Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, 2023