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“Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community” (2023)
Author: Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General
surgeon-general-social-connecti…
This document is an official U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory that warns the nation about a growing public health crisis—the epidemic of loneliness, isolation, and declining social connection. It explains that nearly half of Americans regularly feel lonely, and social connection has sharply decreased over the last several decades due to changes in family structure, technology use, community involvement, and societal norms.
The advisory shows that social disconnection is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and dramatically increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, diabetes, depression, anxiety, self-harm, and premature death. It presents decades of scientific evidence demonstrating that strong social relationships, supportive communities, and positive social environments improve physical health, mental well-being, cognitive function, educational outcomes, workplace success, and overall quality of life.
The report explains why humans are biologically wired for connection and describes how loneliness negatively impacts the brain, stress hormones, inflammation, immunity, and behavior. It also highlights how social connection supports meaning, resilience, purpose, and healthier lifestyle choices.
On a community level, the advisory shows that connected communities are safer, more resilient, more prosperous, and more civically engaged. It warns that declining trust, weaker community bonds, and rising polarization undermine national health and social stability.
To address the crisis, the advisory proposes a National Strategy with Six Pillars, calling on governments, schools, workplaces, technology companies, healthcare systems, media, and individuals to strengthen social infrastructure, reform digital environments, promote pro-connection policies, and rebuild a culture of empathy, belonging, and community.
Overall, the document is a comprehensive, research-based call to action emphasizing that social connection is a fundamental human need essential for individual and societal health, and rebuilding it is critical for America’s future... |