Why are young adults Britain’s loneliest generation? And what can be done?

By Emily Hodson

In February 2026, the Office for National Statistics found that 27% of 16 to 29-year-olds in Great Britain reported feeling lonely always, often or some of the time. 

In stark contrast, just 16% of adults aged 70 and over reported feeling lonely. 

Despite widespread awareness of loneliness rising after the COVID-19 pandemic, this issue has not only sustained itself but tightened its grip on the younger generation. 

In an age of unprecedented digital use, where connection with friends, family and communities is a click away, why is Britain’s younger generation feeling more alone than ever? 

Digital connection or isolation? 

In 2025, the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising found that over-15s spend an average of 7.4 hours per day indulging in screen-based activities. 

Within this age group, smartphones are used on average between five and six hours each day, and typically for social media. 

Whilst many see social media as an opportunity to engage with thousands worldwide, digital connection is a fragile substitute for deeper emotional bonds that are fostered through in-person interactions. 

Social media sites are centred around likes, views and followers, which fuels individuals’ cravings for validation and the desire to create parasocial relationships. 

Illusion of connection

Consequently, these platforms craft the illusion of constant human connection, leaving younger generations neglecting face-to-face interactions, friendships and communities. 

Alongside this, our smartphones are tapping into the brain’s reward system through dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate motivation, reinforcement and pleasure. 

With every notification, reminder and piece of content, our phones gratify us with instant reward, making it difficult to switch off. 

This habitual cycle of chasing dopamine-fuelled tasks encourages us to procrastinate on chores, personal interests and work. 

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As our real world becomes less inviting, so does social interaction. 

The physical effects of smartphone use on our health should not be underestimated either. 

Our devices emit blue light, a short wavelength of light, that tricks our brains into thinking it is daytime, hindering the release of sleep hormones. 

Whilst fatigue becomes an inevitable by-product of screen use, the motivation to leave the house and socially interact slowly declines.  

Making friends: an increasing difficulty 

“Our nervous systems literally evolved to regulate the presence of others,” argued interdisciplinary scientist Katherine Templar Lewis in a 2026 report by White Claw Hard Seltzer. 

The alcoholic water brand launched a report into why the younger generation is finding companionship increasingly difficult. 

Generation Z (people aged 14–29) reported having shorter tolerances for social interactions, which left some feeling emotionally worn out. 

The report suggested that social media prompts users to share only their idealised selves, creating a taxing expectation to consistently appear fulfilled and successful. 

Intimidating task

An interview with a 20-year-old Leeds resident reflected this finding, arguing that social media’s ability to “…edit, delete and make your life seem perfect” can make presenting your authentic self to people in person an intimidating task. 

Furthermore, with 30% of people surveyed reporting that burnout prevents them from creating meaningful friendships, the report implied that younger people are facing rising pressures to maximise productivity across work and hobbies. 

The Leeds resident said that “there’s a weird pressure to be independent nowadays,” reflecting the findings that young people feel there are increasing social expectations to have career ambitions and life plans figured out from an earlier age than they feel ready to. 

What can be done?

Charities such as Student Minds are prioritising student wellbeing by promoting the expansion of counselling and mental health services across universities, encouraging students to speak openly about feeling alone. 

Within the NHS, social prescribing allows healthcare professionals to refer young people to workshops, communities and in-person groups that develop meaningful connections beyond their screens. 

However, as social media continues to assert its influence over young people’s social relationships, a key question remains: can authentic connections be restored in a society moulded by instant gratification, convenience and continual screen time?

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