Loneliness is a complex, non-clinical condition with distinct mental and physical implications, including depression and cardiovascular issues that, if left unaddressed, can even affect mortality rates (1, 2). Research in this field is unique; loneliness is not a mental illness that can be diagnosed yet it plays an identifiable role in the experiences of individuals diagnosed with depression (2). Public perception of loneliness has evolved, especially with the advent of digital connectivity and social media’s influence on individual loneliness levels (3, 4). Nevertheless, it remains an experience that has been, at least until recent developments with isolation and COVID- 19, considered universally shameful; to be lonely is to be a social outcast, to under-perform at something inherently human - that being a connection to other humans (4, 5). The historical context shapes the understanding of loneliness, highlighting the subjective nature of its experience and its potential to trigger personal growth (6).

On a global scale, the WHO’s Commission on Social Connection (2024–2026) underscores the pervasive nature of loneliness and social isolation, emphasizing its serious impacts on physical and mental health across all ages and regions, and advocating for it to be recognized as a global public health priority. Additionally, organizations such as the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection, represent international efforts to address loneliness through collaborative public health campaigns and initiatives across 11 partner countries and organizations.

This article presents the author’s viewpoint of communication as meaningful connection as a strategy to address the issue of loneliness, particularly with insights from a Canadian perspective. It explores loneliness, differentiating between experiential and existential loneliness. Technology is considered for its dual capacity to exacerbate loneliness as well as serve as a remedy, especially within a Western framework. The narrative extends to cultural variations in perceiving loneliness as a public health concern and its manifestation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The exploration includes themes such as social and emotional loneliness, the dichotomy of individualism versus collectivism, the impact of socioeconomic status, vulnerability, and personal experiences. Through this examination, the concept of communication as ‘meaningful connection’ provides a pivotal lens through which to understand and address loneliness.

Bound Alberti (7) emphasizes loneliness as a complex emotional cluster influenced by a variety of factors rather than a singular emotion. The physical, psychological, and situational facets of loneliness affect overall health and are intricately linked with social support (8, 9). High stress associated with loneliness can worsen health outcomes, including during the COVID-19 pandemic (10–12). Despite the stigma diminishing over time, loneliness research has had to find creative methodologies due to the reluctance to admit such feelings (13).

The stigma surrounding this experience requires that some researchers seek unorthodox solutions for evaluation, as asking individuals if they have experienced loneliness can lead to inaccurate and roundabout responses (13). Rokach (13) notes in his work that “No one, in my 30 years of researching this topic, has ever had the courage to admit, in public, that he or she is lonely” (p. 1). General public acceptance of mental health and de-stigmatization campaigns may have caused shifts in the last 10 years; however, loneliness is still somewhat stigmatized as a need to be perceived as belonging to the social groups we interact with (13). Loneliness is also addressed in the literature as akin to hunger, a force that generates a desire for the individual to seek what they are lacking rather than a negative experience that offers no potential positive outcomes (6, 14).

Viewing loneliness through a phenomenological lens offers a subjective perspective, enriching the understanding of its impact (15, 16). Loneliness, while related to isolation at times, is not dependent on being physically alone for the experience to be felt (6). Individual perceptions of social experiences have major implications for people living with loneliness’s physical health and well-being. This emphasis on perception, however, causes difficulties for those who seek to find a universal definition of the experience.

For the purposes of this perspective, loneliness is understood as an experience within the context of complex emotion, dependent upon physical and psychological circumstances. The concept of loneliness as experiential rather than circumstantial and a complex compendium rather than as a single emotional experience allows researchers to consider the external social factors that contribute to loneliness (7, 17). This operational definition depicts loneliness as an experience of a lack or loss of meaningful connection. By breaking down this definition, key terms arise. In this context, “perceived” is used as in each of the previously mentioned articles, researchers note the importance of individual perception on the experience of loneliness. The terms “lack or loss” differentiate and give value to both existential (general non-situational lack) and experiential (distinct event-driven loss) loneliness. The term “meaningful” distinguishes shallow and deep social interactions, as Hawkley and Cacioppo (14) stress the value of quality over quantity of interactions. Finally, “connection” encompasses both social interactions and a feeling of connectedness and belonging that is not always dependent on the volume of communication.

Exploring loneliness through the lens of communication studies illuminates how interpersonal communication patterns and media usage differ across cultures, impacting feelings of loneliness. Cultural comparisons reveal that loneliness varies between individualistic cultures, which emphasize personal achievement, and collectivist cultures, which value group cohesion (18, 19). Research indicates that individualism tends to correlate with increased loneliness, especially among younger men (18). In contrast, collectivist cultures, which promote group belonging, generally report lower loneliness levels due to higher social integration (19) (p. 791). Cultural heritage also influences loneliness perceptions, with those from North American individualistic backgrounds reporting greater loneliness compared to those from collectivist backgrounds (5). Van Staden and Coetzee (20) emphasize that cultural conceptions of loneliness involve expectations of empathy and social closeness within relationships.

Globally, loneliness is linked to cultural factors such as emotional distress and social disconnection, with North Americans typically experiencing higher levels (5). However, the aspiration to overcome loneliness is a common thread across cultures (21). For instance, older adults in Sweden and Hong Kong express a shared theme of “overcoming” existential loneliness, signifying the universal nature of the desire for connection (21).

Loneliness, while extensively researched, has been predominantly focused on special populations like the older adult or disabled, neglecting its broader impact (32). Various factors influence how loneliness affects mental health, especially during the pandemic, with certain demographics reporting deteriorating mental health conditions (33–40). Furthermore, food insecurity has been linked to poorer mental health outcomes (38). Canadian youth, in particular, have experienced a significant decline in mental health, exacerbated by COVID-19, with a notable decrease in those reporting excellent mental health and an increase in negative mental health impacts, especially compared to older populations (39).

The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) promotes a recovery-oriented approach to managing mental illness, emphasizing a journey toward a fulfilling life and the expectation of recovery (41). This approach, which encompasses personal responsibility and a return to the workforce, is linked to the management of loneliness and is expected to be adopted by the Canadian government (41). The moralization of health, as discussed by Cederström and Spicer (42), aligns with the MHCC’s philosophy and highlights the stigma related to social connection, further complicated by the paradox of social media use, which can increase loneliness (3).

The COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted the prevalence of loneliness in Canada, with reports of over half the population struggling due to social distancing, although technology has been seen as a mitigating factor (43). Mood disorders, often comorbid with loneliness, affect 11.6% of Canadians, with access to mental health services being limited by long wait times or high costs of private care (39). Similar trends have been observed in other Western countries; a survey by the Campaign to End Loneliness in the United Kingdom found that 45% of adults feel occasionally, sometimes, or often lonely. One group that has led the Canadian landscape in loneliness initiatives is GenWell, an organization dedicated to the social health of Canadians (44). Founded with the mission to enhance individual well-being and societal health, GenWell Project advocates for intentional, face-to-face interactions as a remedy to the growing epidemic of loneliness. GenWell’s primary focus is on social connection and the mitigation of loneliness unlike other Canadian mental health organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) focus primarily on mental health and addiction as a whole, with only some initiatives for isolation and loneliness. Genwell faces challenges, however, as tools for communication can act as both facilitator for connection and social isolator.

The role of digital communication is crucial in these initiatives. In Canada, digital tools have been leveraged to maintain social connections during periods of physical distancing. Telehealth services, virtual meet-ups, and online support groups have become vital in mitigating loneliness. This mirrors efforts in other Western countries, where digital platforms have been used to create virtual communities and provide mental health support. However, the challenge remains to ensure these digital interactions are meaningful and do not replace but rather complement face-to-face connections. Addressing loneliness effectively requires a balanced approach that integrates both digital and in-person strategies tailored to the specific cultural and social contexts of each country.

The role of technology in addressing social connection and loneliness presents a duality of potential problem and solution. At its core, technology facilitates communication and interaction, acting as a bridge for those experiencing loneliness to connect with others. Platforms such as social media allow individuals to maintain social networks, potentially alleviating feelings of isolation (45). However, the quality of these interactions often comes into question, with concerns about superficial connections and the exacerbation of loneliness through dependence on virtual rather than physical interactions (46, 47).

Emerging technologies, particularly social companion robots, offer a promising solution to mitigate loneliness by providing companionship and interactive experiences. These robots are designed to engage users in meaningful interactions, thereby filling the emotional and social void that contributes to loneliness (48, 49). By fostering a connection “with” and “through” these robots, individuals can experience a form of companionship that, while artificial, may offer real emotional benefits. This aligns with Zeller’s (50) human-machine communication (HMC) model, which emphasizes the importance of user experiences and the socio-cultural dimensions influencing communication processes.

The design and implementation of social companion robots must be grounded in human-centered design principles to ensure meaningful connections are established. Zeller (50) model stresses iterative design enriched by user feedback, highlighting the need to personalize interactions to meet the diverse needs of users. For example, addressing communication barriers for individuals with disabilities or considering the digital divide impacting socioeconomic status are crucial for developing effective social robots (51, 52). By integrating these considerations, designers can create robots that not only interact with users but also respond to their unique socio-cultural contexts, thereby enhancing the potential for meaningful engagement.

Companion robots, as part of a broader technological approach, illustrate the nuanced role of technology in managing loneliness. While these robots can offer substantial benefits, there are inherent risks, such as creating dependencies or minimizing human-human connections (53). Future research and design efforts must balance these potential drawbacks with the benefits, striving to enhance the quality of interactions and ensuring technology serves as a tool for genuine social connection rather than a substitute for human presence. By maintaining a focus on human-centered design, technology can evolve to better address the complex emotional and social needs associated with loneliness.

Loneliness, as explored through the lens of communication studies, reveals the profound impact of meaningful connections on human well-being. This perspective piece has highlighted the dual role of technology as both a facilitator and a barrier to genuine social interactions. The COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the need for strategies that foster meaningful connections, especially in Canadian society. Moving forward, it is crucial to balance the use of digital tools with initiatives that promote face-to-face interactions and community building. By integrating human-centered design principles in technological solutions and prioritizing quality over quantity in social exchanges, we can address the complex issue of loneliness more effectively. Ultimately, this holistic approach can lead to a more connected and mentally healthy society, where communication serves as the cornerstone of meaningful human relationships.