There is an ongoing trend of loneliness and social isolation among Americans, specifically young adults, that prevents them from making connections with each other. To combat this growing epidemic, young people need to make a substantial effort to put their phones down and face each other in real life. 

The cause of this spread of loneliness varies from person to person. However, some of the most notable contributors are overusing technology, not having enough time during the day and the growing trend of individualism. 

The common denominator seems to be a lack of interpersonal communication and connection, whether it be because of a lack of time or not being able to interact with others.

Relying on technology to be the gateway for communication, people lose one of the most valuable aspects of relationship building: being face-to-face. By prioritizing social media or even just being distracted by a phone, people lose their ability to authentically converse and connect with others. They either struggle to talk with people in real life because they’re used to doing it online, which 

erases spontaneity, or they simply do not recognize real-life opportunities to befriend new people.

Even if a person does not spend their entire day on the internet, there is a likely chance that they spend it at work. 

Americans spend the majority of their day working, which leaves little time for them to do anything recreational. Even if they do find the time to visit their friends or family, they’re likely exhausted and will prioritize their rest over spending time with their loved ones. People shouldn’t have to choose between having a social life and work, as they are both necessary for survival. 

The number of days off people have to spend with their loved ones is not enough to sustain their relationships. Texting 

and talking on the phone are helpful in dire situations where a person won’t be able to see someone they care about for a long time, but they don’t make up for physically being in a room with a loved one.

The current day focus on individuality is also partially to blame for the lack of 

community amongst people. Wanting to be different from everyone else and prioritizing personal uniqueness over contributing to a larger community erases a person’s chance of building 

lasting relationships. Straying away from 

solely prioritizing singularity and instead focusing on connecting with others and nourishing the relationships they already have can fight against the loneliness that current-day adults seem to be predisposed to experiencing.

Despite the many barriers that can stop someone from building social connections, it is still possible to beat the loneliness epidemic. Seeking out opportunities for 

interpersonal interactions, finding groups to join, going to shared spaces and reaching out to loved ones are all ways to feel part of a community, which is the best way to battle against loneliness.

Until the structure of our society allows us to readily have the time to spend with others, the most important thing a person can do is want social connections 

enough to go looking for them, even though it might mean hanging out with a friend after a long day of work or classes. It can be difficult to prioritize relationships with other people, but it is worth the effort.