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Loneliness. Most probably, almost every person has experienced this aching feeling of emptiness at least once in a lifetime. However, everything is much more serious than it seems. According to recently released data, a growing number of people report feeling lonely on a regular basis. The scary thing is that "loneliness is getting younger", becoming a lot for people who even have not reached 30 yet. In this regard, some scientists began to call loneliness a new epidemic. So, humanity needs to do something about this problem and seek effective ways to combat loneliness, and various technological innovations can come to the rescue in this matter. Since we are on Sweetydate, this topic may become really important for you.
What is the link between new technology and isolation? Does technology make us more alone? Scientists still cannot come to a consensus about whether technology helps us escape from the jaws of loneliness or, on the contrary, only increases the distance between people. The examination data vary greatly depending on the age of the respondents.
According to a report from the TalkTalk project, half of the young people believe that technology helps them feel less lonely. At the same time, only a quarter of adults can agree with such a statement. In contrast to this revelation, Melissa Hunt, Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania, conducted her own research of the problem and discovered the positive effects of digital detox among young people at the age of 18-22: by reducing their time spent on social networks, they became less lonely. The point is that long-term Internet abuse leads to an increased feeling of loneliness. Over time, people who are overly addicted to gadgets may lose their sense of social adaptation and become depressed. This is especially alarming in the light of research showing that about 40% of children and 70% of adolescents in Europe and the United States spend many hours online every day.
At the same time, disabled people and representatives of the older generation note that Facebook, Skype, and various instant messengers allow them to feel less disconnected from society, as well as avoid depression and low spirits. This is reported in a study conducted by William Chopik, Ph.D. of psychology at the University of Michigan. In this regard, it may be concluded that for some people, modern technologies are almost the only way to feel the very connection with the outside world.
Finally, the data analytics company AnswerRocket found that 23% of respondents who reported feeling lonely use technology to connect with their families daily, and almost the same number of people (25%) admitted they do not feel lonely precisely because of online communication with other people.
2020 has definitely become a distinctive year for everyone – it is characterized by severe social isolation and new technology achievements. People had to distance themselves from society: some were happy with solitude, while others suffered from alienation during social isolation.
The Guardian notes that loneliness reached a massive scale even before the coronavirus pandemic. For example, over the past 50 years, the number of the US citizens who do not have family and friends has doubled, and in the UK, 75% of general practitioners report seeing up to five lonely patients a day. In the countries of Europe, things are no better: according to the latest statistics, about 30% of the population are lonely.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the fight against loneliness became more acute. As the Guardian notes, this has led to an increase in the popularity of technology solutions that help manage depression. According to the UK Office for National Statistics, 8 out of 10 respondents (78%) state that constant contact with family and friends in the online environment became the main way of escaping in their forced confinement within four walls. At the same time, people began to use various online services to keep in touch with their loved ones, as well as spend more time on social networks. Platforms providing video and audio conferencing also become very popular during this hard time. Besides, people began to use online technologies for other reasons, for example, to attend virtual church service or engage in distance learning.
In general, technology has always helped people fight loneliness. After all, there are many disabled and elderly people who just want to communicate with someone but do not have such an opportunity, and modern technologies help them significantly. It's hard to argue with this: before the advent of the computer, many single people were doomed to fight loneliness in their apartments, within four walls, but now, in the age of technological development, they can have a nice time and get in touch with other people without even leaving home. To say more, they have an opportunity to not only communicate with someone but also find like-minded people and make friends.
The problem of loneliness existed in the world long before the emergence of a new strain of coronavirus infection. However, it was during the pandemic that the role of technology in combating this problem has grown more than ever. So, let's take a closer look at modern technological ways to fight loneliness.
Dating sites like www. sweetydate. com has always been considered the best option on how to fight loneliness. And this is not surprising, because these services provide a wonderful opportunity to meet several people at once and have fun with them at any time convenient for you. In addition, you can find a person according to certain parameters, someone who shares your interests and views. Registration on dating sites takes little time, for example, you need just a few minutes to register on the sweetydate site. Moreover, chatting with interesting people can distract you from negative thoughts and even inspire you to make some pleasant changes in your life. For example, you may be tempted to learn a new language, attend skills workshops, play sports, and so on. But before registering on a dating site, you should find a reliable service. The following dating sites will definitely help you to overcome loneliness:
Video games are a great way to take your mind off things. According to the American Psychological Association, video games enhance mood, help you relax, and most importantly, cope with anxiety and obsessions. When we play video games, especially with other people, we feel like we are overcoming difficulties together and becoming a part of something greater. Nowadays, there is a whole slew of multiplayer video games for any taste, so find the game you like and your loneliness will fade away!
Psychologists and engineers have high hopes for robots to help humans cope with loneliness. For example, the Israeli company Intuit Robotics created the ElliQ robot, nicknamed "the companion for happy aging." This smart machine is designed to remind the owner of taking medications, can turn on music, and even play games with its owner.
In Japan, which is also famous for a large number of lonely people, you can purchase a black ball that projects a hologram of Hatsune Miku, a virtual pop star.
Also, there are robotic companions for animal lovers. One of them is Paro – a baby seal robot. It performs the same function as normal therapy animals. This little artificial pet can hear, see, and feel you and even mimic the sounds of a real young seal.
In addition to robotic technology and real communication on sites like Sweetydate, virtual interlocutors have gained popularity too. More and more people start using chatbots to improve their emotional well-being during the pandemic. For example, Woebot is a chatbot application based on cognitive behavioral therapy. It monitors and analyzes the mood of users during a conversation and, based on the collected data, helps people to improve their emotional state. Users note that this chatbot may be compared to a good old friend who can really help them.
5. Webinars, podcasts, online workshopsEven if a person has friends and does not feel lonely, no one is immune from longing on a sleepless night. In order not to stay alone with themselves, some people listen to podcasts. Drew Ackerman's “Sleep With Me” is one such audio podcasts. Initially, the author wanted to help listeners with insomnia fall asleep with his soothing stories. But his project gained particular popularity among people who feel melancholy after dark. Moreover, a great idea on how to combat loneliness is to take part in online workshops and webinars. After all, you will be able to meet like-minded people, learn something new, and spend time nice and profitably.
On the Internet, it is easier to find people with similar views and opinions. Indeed, acquaintances and communication in the online environment turn out to be much easier than in real life, since a person feels more comfortable and relaxed in the virtual world. These factors led to the emergence and development of a large number of Internet communities from hamster lovers to active visitors of fast-food restaurants. So, all you need to feel less lonely is to find the community that interests you and start communicating with its members.
Social networks were invented so that people can always keep in touch with friends and family, feel involved in their lives, and share the news. Now, it is high time to start getting the most out of these services – leave a comment on a friend's photo and start a conversation, chat in private messages, send each other funny pictures, join interest groups, and so on. Online communication with friends and acquaintances reduces the risk of depression. What's more, a group of Indian scientists has found that social media can significantly improve your communication skills.
The past year of social isolation and the technology boom forced people around the world to adapt to new conditions of life, which has already become even more digital. The pandemic has led to an increase in the number of people who feel lonely. While skeptics complain that modern technology is alienating people, inventors and techno-optimists are proposing to use robots and chatbots to solve the problem of social isolation and loneliness. In our hard times, it is important not only to keep a positive stance but also to stay in touch with each other without health risk. Although we are not able to stop the pandemic with the wave of a magic wand, it is in our power to fill this time with positive emotions. Take advantage of modern technology, register on Sweetydate.com and loneliness will never trouble you!
Sources:
Kenneth O'Riley – a relationship coach and psychologist based in Montreal, Canada. Besides a huge experience of working with couples and singles, Kenneth can share knowledge about Slavic women and the peculiarities of dating ladies from Ukraine and Russia. Our author has Ukrainian origin and lived in Kyiv, Ukraine, for 10 years. Such experience allows us to call him a real expert in Slavic girls and share working tips with you.
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