I’m sure by now many of us are aware that the American people are currently facing what health officials are regarding as a “loneliness epidemic.” In recent years I’ve heard this term in an array of different contexts, ranging from my psychology classes to wellness podcasts. I’ll admit that I even began rolling my eyes whenever the phrase was brought up. Disregarding this “epidemic” as another buzzword that would circulate through mass media, only to be forgotten again a few years later. 

Regardless of my initial cynicism, this epidemic is a real phenomenon. As of 2023, not only is Generation Z the most isolated of all previous generations, but America as a whole has seen increased rates of overall loneliness. According to the U.S. Surgeon General advisory, over half of US adults consider themselves lonely, with even more pronounced rates among people ages 15-24, who have 70% less social interactions with friends. This has consequently led to increased rates of depression and anxiety. However, what makes this epidemic so destructive is not only the mental impact but also the physiological. The lack of connection has been linked to a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults. Additionally, insufficient social connection increases the risk of premature death by more than 60. These levels have led to an overall risk of premature death, comparable to that of smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

The ongoing crisis has ignited numerous discussions about the root causes of the prevailing loneliness epidemic. Factors such as rapid social change, heightened reliance on technology and social media, and the impact of the pandemic have been proven to diminish interpersonal bonds, subsequently leading to a decline in social connectedness. While I do not discount the significance of these factors, I propose that there is yet another contributor at play — one that tugs at the very essence of our American social and cultural fabric: individualism. 

Let me backtrack for a moment to another widely recognized phrase in the US: “The American Dream.” Defined as the belief that every United States citizen should have an equal opportunity to attain success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative, this concept is deeply ingrained in our nation’s history. It traces back to the construction of the Constitution by our founding fathers and has since been regarded as a beacon of hope, promising happiness for all those who dare to pursue it. However, there is a catch: this pursuit is often solitary. 

There is seemingly this obsession with archetypes such as the “self-made man” or “rags to riches” in our culture. It’s in the movies we watch, music we stream, and even books we consume, all following a similar framework of one individual’s quest for success without reliance on anyone else. This concept is not new. In 1985, an extensive study of values in American life reported that Americans speak a “first language” of personal ambitions and only a “second language” of commitments to others and the collective. Individualism has always been a defining feature of American life and is reflected in both the best and worst parts of America. While individual freedoms and pursuits can be seen as a beacon of hope in depictions such as the American Dream, they also work to separate individuals from communities. The emphasis on individual contribution to society over collective success is in part due to the capitalist economic system America tends to subscribe to. 

Now, I’ve always been a relatively independent person, and often even take pride in my own self-reliance and sense of autonomy I seem to possess over my life. This feeling has only heightened since being in college, where the thoughts of my own future and goals are at the forefront of my mind. I catch myself at times questioning, “Am I selfish?” for putting my individual aspirations ahead of more community-oriented initiatives. Research by  Harvard University would suggest I’m not alone in this feeling. American teenagers today are more likely to be raised to prioritize individual achievement and happiness as a marker for success over caring for others, revealing not so much a deficiency within oneself, but rather a cultural norm. 

This is not to say that America’s individualism is wholly destructive. It has encouraged individuals to take initiative and pursue their own paths, leading to entrepreneurship and innovation. However, I argue that this heightened emphasis on personal achievement and individualism is leading to our increasing isolation and the erosion of societal cohesion. A recent cross-national study by Schermer found that people in individualistic cultures, such as the United States and France, reported higher rates of loneliness and social isolation compared to those in collectivistic cultures, such as Japan or Indonesia. It is plausible to assume that in these individualistic nations, people are not only more likely to place increased emphasis on the self but also to distance themselves from community-oriented activities. This trend not only has health consequences but also serves to further polarize politics in the U.S. today. 

Both the Democratic and Republican parties have undergone significant transformations over the past decade, contributing to an ever-growing gap between political ideologies in the United States. As of 2023, we are seeing a rise in political violence and increased partisan separation among political leaders and their identification with their respective parties. As this divide continues to widen, it becomes clear that the current American political climate reflects an increasing inability to engage with and understand opposing viewpoints. The persistent emphasis on individual success, rights, and beliefs, while a key tenet of American individualism, has inadvertently led to what political theorists are referring to as “collective narcissism”, with an increased intergroup bias between parties. That is to say, we in the American public are less likely to listen to the viewpoints of those outside of our individual beliefs and values. This trend has overshadowed the crucial need for collaboration and compromise, fostering a climate where collective welfare and social cohesion are increasingly disregarded in favor of individual pursuits and partisan loyalty. This trend is evident in recent cases, such as the near government shutdown over the annual budget. Which highlighted not only partisan polarization but also bitter internal conflicts within the republican party between moderates and conservatives. 

Addressing this challenge may appear insurmountable, as it demands a critical reevaluation of the American ethos. Many of us find comfort within communities revolving around familial, social, religious, ethnic, or political affiliations, inadvertently creating echo chambers that reinforce our preexisting beliefs. While college provides an opportunity for exposure to diverse viewpoints, the reality often entails the gravitation towards like-minded individuals, a tendency that I, too, am consistently guilty of. However, overlooking those who are dissimilar to ourselves only serves to perpetuate segregation and isolation, hindering our collective progress.

While the American Dream often glorifies a solitary path to success, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of collectivism in shaping the fabric of our nation. Throughout history, some of the most monumental moments were achieved through the collaboration of both shared and opposing voices. Movements such as women’s suffrage and civil rights stand as powerful testaments to the transformative potential of communal effort and unity within our country. Both movements brought together individuals of diverse races, socioeconomic statuses, and backgrounds to challenge systemic issues within our country. Recognizing these pivotal moments reminds us that collective action and unity are not only fundamental to our nation’s past but also vital for our future.

Finding a purpose beyond ourselves or our immediate community not only contributes to addressing the loneliness epidemic at a personal level but also serves as a crucial step toward fostering societal cohesion. Active listening and constructive dialogue do not require us to agree with everyone we encounter but rather enable us to learn more about ourselves and the values we hold through meaningful interactions with others. Embracing this unity might prompt us to realize that the genuine essence of the American Dream lies not solely in the pursuit of individual success, but in our collective capacity to empathize, connect, and work towards a more accepting society.