Tackling loneliness is a main focus at Curious Motion. Loneliness is a complex emotional state that isn’t simply about being alone. After all, we might feel lonely whilst surrounded by a group of people. The Campaign for Ending Loneliness describes it on their website as:
An ‘unwelcome feeling of lack or loss of companionship. It happens when there is a mismatch between the quantity and quality of the social relationships that we have, and those that we want.’
None of us enjoy feeling lonely, and it might have a negative impact on both our mental and physical health. Yet it is something we all experience at some point in our lives. At Curious Motion, we aim to tackle loneliness through our activities and events, bringing people together and helping them feel connected to others and their community. We know that the opportunities for people to come together at the end of our sessions, to chat and connect over good coffee, is just as important as the physical activity.
Technology aims to keep us connected at all times, through family group chats, Instagram posts and social media. We are lucky that we can use our platform to write this blog post and that you can use yours to read it (thank you!) However, is technology always a tool that connects us? Should technology be championed as a vehicle to support us to overcome the loneliness epidemic? Or is it a problem in itself? Let’s explore this further:
The case for technology
In our busy modern lives, it might be difficult to stay in touch with people we’re close to. Access to technology can help us maintain these relationships, even when we’re unable to see others in person. We can chat with loved ones across the globe at the touch of a button!
Our partners at St Augustine’s Centre have a team of dedicated volunteers who donate, fix, re-purpose and provide phones and tablets to people seeking sanctuary, giving them access to the relevant apps to reconnect with loved ones. This supports them to begin to re-build their lives.
Technology and social media is often how we find out about events and activities that can reduce our loneliness, or find people who have similar interests to us. My job as Communications Assistant involves posting on social media so that people have the information they need to engage with our activities. We also use email and WhatsApp groups to make sure our community stays informed and feels confident in joining a class for the first time. Without this technology, this communication would be far more difficult, and less people would be able to access our services.
We are also extremely grateful for Google Translate. It allows us to connect with participants who join us with English as an additional language – we embrace these incredible apps and technologies to break down barriers and support inclusion in our activities.
The case against
Unfortunately, prolonged use of technology in the form of social media could be doing more harm than good. Studies have found that overusing social media can make us feel lonely, partly because we compare ourselves to the ‘highlight images’ shared by celebrities, or even our friends. Social media websites are also set up to encourage us to spend lots of time on them, so it can take up time that we might spend socialising with others around us.
For most people, there are many levels to the ways we communicate with one another that can’t always be replicated whilst communicating through technology. Tone of voice and body language, for example, can’t be translated through a text message. Physical contact is also important for many people, and something as simple as a hug or a pat on the back can help us feel connected to others.
My closing thoughts
My feelings are that technology can be a useful tool in staying connected during our busy lives, so long as we use it in moderation. Reach out on WhatsApp to a friend that lives across the globe, but be sure to schedule in time to meet friends in person too. Enjoy your favourite TV show, but try discussing it with others over coffee, or better yet, invite friends over to watch it with you. Use the internet to research local activities and then join in-person, meeting up with people with shared interests.
Most of us will feel loneliness at some point in our lives, and technology can help us to combat it. However, I do believe there’s no substitute for connecting with others in person. So be kind to yourself, take it one step at a time, and see what connections you can make with those around you.
More information about our classes and activities:
References:
https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/facts-and-statistics/
https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/reduce-loneliness-with-technology-teaching-and-therapy/
https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-023-01498-4
https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/25-09-2024-teens–screens-and-mental-health
