In a world where constant connections and endless communication are the norm, University of Arizona researchers have conducted a study to analyze the nuanced relationship between loneliness and aloneness. Contrary to popular belief, the study found that loneliness and aloneness are separate concepts that are not closely correlated. The researchers discovered that people do not feel lonely until they spend over 75% of their time alone. Beyond this threshold, it becomes difficult for individuals to avoid feelings of loneliness. In older adults, there is a particularly strong association between time spent alone and feelings of loneliness. To better quantify social behavior, the research team is developing SocialBit, a smartwatch app similar to fitness trackers. This app will measure social activity by tracking the number of minutes spent in conversations each day. The study, which involved over 400 participants, revealed that loneliness and aloneness had only a 3% overlap in the entire participant pool. However, in older adults above the age of 67, there was a 25% overlap between the two. To assess daily social behaviors, the researchers used the Electronically Activated Recorder (EAR) app, a smartphone app that records participants’ sounds for 30 seconds every 12 minutes. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge regarding the importance of social connections for human health. Loneliness and isolation are interconnected but distinct concepts, and measuring time spent alone accurately is crucial in understanding and addressing loneliness in society. The researchers anticipate that SocialBit will be released in the next few years and will facilitate more social connections by accurately measuring social activity.
Exploring the Fine Line: Loneliness versus Being Alone
