The question that has concerned me, as well as many others, for the past eight years is how our democracy became so susceptible to a potential strongman and demagogue. However, now my biggest concern, with the approach of 2024, is whether we have done enough to strengthen our defenses or if our democracy is still highly vulnerable to attack and subversion. There are several reasons for concern, including the influence of dark money and corporate power, right-wing propaganda and misinformation, foreign interference in our elections, and the backlash against social progress. These issues have always interested me, but I have always felt that something crucial was missing from our national discourse about the threats to our democracy. Fortunately, recent findings from the Surgeon General offer new insights into our problems and provide a path towards healing our nation.
In May, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy published an advisory that warned of a growing “epidemic of loneliness and isolation” that not only threatens Americans’ personal health but also the health of our democracy. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, about half of all American adults were experiencing significant levels of loneliness. Over the past two decades, Americans have been spending more time alone, engaging less with family, friends, and the community. By 2018, only 16 percent of Americans reported feeling very attached to their local community. This epidemic of loneliness may seem disconnected from the concrete threats to our democracy, but it actually sheds light on why we have become so vulnerable.
The Surgeon General’s report reveals that when people are disconnected from their social connections, their risk of heart disease, dementia, depression, and stroke increases. Prolonged loneliness is just as detrimental to our health as obesity or smoking. Loneliness also generates negative emotions such as anger, resentment, and paranoia. It diminishes our engagement in society, fuels political polarization and animosity, and weakens social cohesion. If we do not address this crisis, our community and country will continue to fracture and divide.
In 1996, I published “It Takes a Village” because I was concerned about the fragmentation and stress experienced by many Americans, particularly overwhelmed parents. Even back then, before the advent of smartphones and social media, it was clear that loneliness and isolation were on the rise, and our children were suffering as a result. Now, almost 30 years later, it is apparent that the problems I identified were much deeper and more severe than initially realized. The prescriptions offered in “It Takes a Village” have become even more urgent and necessary. We need to prioritize families, invest in community infrastructure, protect children from excessive technology use, and reaffirm our commitment to mutual responsibility and empathy.
The Surgeon General’s warning aligns with the findings of other researchers who have been studying these trends for decades. Robert Putnam’s influential book, “Bowling Alone,” revealed the collapse of Americans’ social ties and support networks in the latter half of the 20th century. Activities and relationships that defined previous generations, such as attending religious services and participating in civic organizations, were disappearing. This decline has only worsened in the early 21st century, exacerbating political polarization, economic inequality, and loss of trust in government. Raj Chetty’s research demonstrates how the decline of social connections between different classes and backgrounds has significantly reduced economic mobility in America. Strong and diverse social networks are essential for the American dream to thrive.
The impact of technology cannot be overlooked. The Surgeon General highlights the data showing that excessive social media use increases loneliness and social isolation. As we spend more time online, we spend less time engaging in person and with our local communities. Living in social media echo chambers diminishes trust and empathy for those with different perspectives and experiences. The Surgeon General further warns that heavy social media use among teenagers is contributing to a concerning increase in depression and mental health challenges. The suicide rates among young people have surged in recent years. These alarming statistics should shake us to our core.
We must consider the implications of loneliness and disconnect on our democracy. According to the Surgeon General, when we are less invested in one another, we are more susceptible to polarization and less capable of working together to overcome challenges. This sentiment is echoed by both the surgeon general and right-wing extremists who see social isolation as a means to gain power and profit. The rise of demagogues and hate-mongers is amplified by modern technology, as demonstrated by Steve Bannon’s recognition of the influence of “rootless white males” engaged in online communities. This dangerous combination of isolation and technology poses a significant threat to our democracy.
In conclusion, the issue of loneliness and isolation has significant ramifications for both personal health and the health of our democracy. It is crucial that we address this crisis by prioritizing social connections, investing in communities, and tackling the negative impact of technology. By doing so, we can strengthen our democracy and ensure a more cohesive and inclusive society.
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