Throughout history, humans’ ability to rely on one another has been crucial to survival. Despite modern developments that help individuals live with minimal human engagement, the human need to connect ...

Keep reading to learn how social isolation accelerates cognitive decline and why increasing social contact could protect ...

Why your brain craves connection—and what happens without it Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD Social isolation can increase feelings of depression and anxiety. People who are socially isolated ...

We've all felt lonely at some point in our lives, whether during the COVID-19 pandemic, an illness, or after losing a family member. People can even feel lonely even when surrounded by others. In 2023 ...

Encouraging people to mistake digital companions for real friends is prima facie unethical. Encouraging people to have imaginary friends is no solution to social isolation. There is a risk that the ...

Throughout any given year, the National Academies convene hundreds of conferences, workshops, symposia, forums, roundtables, and other gatherings that attract the finest minds in academia and the ...

OCD can have a significant impact on relationships and other aspects of daily life. Individuals may experience isolation and have reduced opportunities for social connection due to symptoms. Obsessive ...

Social experience sculpts the teenage brain. Source: iStock/pixelfit Humans are fundamentally social, and perhaps never more so than in adolescence when hanging out with friends is the top priority ...

Throughout history, humans’ ability to rely on one another has been crucial to survival. Despite modern developments that help individuals live with minimal human engagement, the human need to connect ...