A staggering one in six individuals around the globe—approximately 17% of the world’s population—experience loneliness, according to a comprehensive new report released by the World Health Organization (WHO). The emotional toll of loneliness has also been tied to more than 8,71,000 deaths annually between 2014 and 2023—translating to roughly 100 lives lost every hour.
Despite living in an era of unprecedented connectivity, the report warns that feelings of disconnection are sharply rising, with significant implications for both physical and mental health. WHO emphasizes that while loneliness stems from a disconnect between the relationships people desire and those they actually have, it differs from social isolation, which is defined by the actual absence of social ties.
In contrast, “social connection” refers to the quality of interpersonal interactions and relationships that contribute to a person’s overall sense of belonging.
The report identifies young people as particularly vulnerable. Among adolescents aged 13–17, loneliness affects over 20%, while 17.4% of young adults aged 18–29 report similar struggles. These figures are even more pronounced in low-income regions, where nearly one in four people report feeling chronically lonely.
Geographically, the prevalence of loneliness is highest in the WHO African Region at 24%, which is more than double the 11% rate found in high-income countries. Other regions such as the Eastern Mediterranean (21%) and South-East Asia (18%) also reported high rates of loneliness. Europe, by contrast, has the lowest regional rate at around 10%.
“In a world where digital tools offer endless ways to connect, more people than ever are feeling isolated,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Beyond the emotional burden on individuals, families, and communities, if we don’t address this issue now, loneliness and social isolation will continue to exact a heavy economic and societal price in areas like health care, education, and productivity.”
The WHO concludes by urging global health leaders and policymakers to recognize loneliness as a serious public health issue and prioritize building strong, supportive social networks across communities.