Why do so many young people feel lonely today? A new international study gives an important clue. Researchers studied 7,997 adults in eight countries: Brazil, France, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Türkiye, and the United States. The survey was carried out from November 2023 to February 2024 and the results were published on February 5, 2026. Overall, 38.9% of people said they felt lonely. But among young adults aged 18 to 24, the number was 46.8%—almost one in two. For adults aged 55 or older, it was 30.4%. (link.springer.com)
The study does not prove one single cause, but it shows clear patterns. Loneliness was more common among women, people with lower income or education, unmarried people, and people living in large cities. In fact, only 29.5% of married people reported loneliness, compared with 50.2% of people who had never married and 53.6% of those who were divorced or separated. Another European public research report also says loneliness is more common during major life changes, such as separation, job loss, or finishing studies. This suggests that many young people may feel lonely because early adult life is full of change and uncertainty. (link.springer.com)
The emotional cost is serious. In the eight-country study, people who felt lonely had almost three times the odds of depression and nearly four times the odds of generalized anxiety. Depression and anxiety were also highest in the youngest age group. So loneliness is not only a sad feeling; it is closely linked to mental health. (link.springer.com)
This matches a wider global warning from the World Health Organization. WHO says loneliness is especially common among adolescents and young adults, and it can be connected to low income, low education, and harmful online experiences or too much screen time. In 2025, WHO reported that about 1 in 6 people worldwide experience loneliness. The good news is that small actions can help: talking face to face, joining a local group, helping others, or putting your phone away for a while. Real connection still matters. (who.int)










