Research reveals that loneliness arises only when time spent alone exceeds a certain limit – and shows how loneliness can be a powerful ally of emotional balance
Being alone doesn’t always mean being sad. Sometimes it’s the opposite. For many people these moments of silence and reflection represent a necessary break from the frenetic pace of modern life. But is there a point at which the comfort of solitude turns into the pain of solitude?
Research from the University of Arizonapublished in Journal of Personality Researchbrought new answers to this question, combining psychology and technology to understand how isolation really affects the human mind.
The point at which “being alone” becomes “feeling lonely”
The researchers followed adults of different ages, recording sound snippets of their routines via an app. This tool made it possible to precisely measure how much time each person spends in company or alone, and the result was surprising: on average, people spend 66% of their time alone, but the emotional symptoms of loneliness appear markedly only when this percentage exceeds 75%.
“We are discovering that being physically alone is not synonymous with emotional loneliness”explains the psychologist Davide Sbarrasenior author of the study. “They are connected experiences, but not equivalent. Only the context, the age and the meaning given to that time make the difference.” In other words, loneliness is not in silence. It is in the meaninglessness of silence.
An innovative look at social behavior
The difference of the study lies in its methodology. Instead of questionnaires or inaccurate recall, the scientists used 30-second recordings every 12 minutes throughout the day (with the participants’ full consent). This approach revealed a realistic view of social routine, without interfering with natural behavior.
The results showed that, even among those who spent the most time alone, only 3% reported constant loneliness, which reinforces the fact that being alone is a subjective experience, influenced by how each person views their isolation.
Loneliness between generations: an emotional mirror
By comparing different age groups, the study revealed two distinct emotional patterns:
- Young people tend to cope better with time alone, seeing it as an opportunity for rest, concentration or self-knowledge;
- Older people, on the other hand, show greater vulnerability: the more time they spend alone, the greater the risk of feeling sadness and disconnection.
This difference, according to the researchers, reflects the emotional transformations of aging, when social networks tend to shrink and daily interaction decreases.
When isolation threatens your health
The World Health Organization (WHO) already recognizes loneliness as a risk factor comparable to smoking and obesity. Prolonged isolation can increase the likelihood of heart disease, depression, cognitive decline and early mortality. The University of Arizona study reinforces this warning, showing that the line between loneliness and loneliness is narrower than it seems, especially in older age.
How to turn loneliness into an ally
Experts remind us that the secret lies in balance: time alone should nourish, not weaken. Some simple actions can help:
- Maintain connections: talk regularly with family and friends;
- Participate in groups: being involved in collective activities that bring purpose and belonging;
- Renew connections: creating new bonds is as important as maintaining old ones;
- Take care of your mind: Seek help if you notice persistent signs of sadness, discouragement or isolation.
The main message of the study is clear: being alone is not a problem, as long as the silence is full of meaning. Moments of solitude can be deeply healing, promoting introspection and emotional balance. But when isolation stops being a choice and becomes a consequence, it becomes a warning.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
