The answer is an unequivocal “yes”, according to one world expert. And that should concern every parent, policy maker and politician.
Dr Vivek Murthy is the Surgeon General of the United States; a post he has served under three presidents – Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
And earlier this month he put out a public health epidemic advisory which should have made global headlines.
It runs to more than 80 pages but in short, Dr Murthy believes that chronic and widespread loneliness – now enveloping half of all adults in his country – was costing billions of dollars each year and posed similar health risks as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.
It goes further than that, though.
The consequences of poor connection also included a 29 per cent increased risk of heart disease, a 32 per cent increased risk of stroke, and a 50 per cent increased risk of developing dementia for older adults. It also increased the risk of premature death by more than 60 per cent.
The impact of loneliness ran across communities, with more connected groups measuring better in a host of areas including population health, community resilience, prosperity and civic engagement.
It’s a health advisory we all need to read.
Wasn’t the tail end of COVID-19 lockdowns a promise that we would be part of a new social cohesion?
Wasn’t the opportunity to travel again into the office, where conversation was shared, the antidote for the months of lonely work-from-home edicts?
Wasn’t social media, where we could connect with the touch of a button, a new way of forging friendships and community?
It seems not.
Call to reshape work environments
Dr Murthy says data shows that workplaces are suffering in terms of productivity and creativity – the consequences of workers feeling lonely.
And he calls on employers to reshape their environment and culture to encourage workers to connect in a way that travels further than a tweet, an emoji or a quick chat.
But a big job exists for those who set policy too, and with the Albanese government’s promise of a wellbeing budget, this advisory provides all the background Treasurer Jim Chalmers needs.
Indeed, the US Surgeon General provided a number of policy suggestions to encourage greater community and connection – from more accessible public transport, to paid family leave, to enacting loneliness checks on patients.
Every suggestion is transferable to Australia.
Other recommendations pointed to the role played by public parks, libraries and institutions that brought people together, the role played by a “culture of connection” and the need to “reform digital environments”.
Role of social media
That last recommendation gets to the heart of how we – and our children – use social media.
It might be easier to connect, but that connection is almost always more shallow.
“We must critically evaluate our relationship with technology and ensure that how we interact digitally does not detract from meaningful and healing connection with others,’’ the advisory says.
The US Surgeon General – America’s national doctor – only issues advisories around critical public health issues, and by focusing on loneliness he is showcasing those symptoms that we need to address.
How might Jim Chalmers’ commitment to develop wellbeing measures fit here? Do we need a wellbeing minister? An unprecedented attempt to bring the big social media platforms to heel? A new look at the spate of youth suicides being experienced in some rural communities?
What help is there for employers trying to refashion the meaning of work, post-pandemic? Or for workers who are struggling to put their hand up, and ask for help? Or children who now face waiting lists of up to 12 months to see a psychologist.
Dr Murthy has issued the challenge. Let’s hope Dr Chalmers will take it on.
