Introduction
In "The Lonely Century," economist and author Noreena Hertz explores one of the defining issues of our time: the growing epidemic of loneliness and social isolation. Despite living in an age of unprecedented connectivity through technology, more and more people are feeling disconnected, isolated, and alone. This book examines the causes and consequences of this loneliness crisis, as well as potential solutions for rebuilding human connection in our fractured world.
Hertz argues that loneliness has become a defining characteristic of the 21st century, driven by factors like neoliberal capitalism, urbanization, technological change, and the erosion of community spaces. She explores how this pervasive loneliness is impacting our physical and mental health, our politics and society, and even the very fabric of our democracy.
Drawing on extensive research and compelling real-world examples, the book paints a sobering picture of a world pulling apart. But it also offers hope, outlining ways we can come together to combat loneliness and restore meaningful human connection at both individual and societal levels.
The Rise of the Lonely Century
Neoliberal Capitalism and the Cult of the Individual
One of the key drivers of our current loneliness epidemic, according to Hertz, is the dominance of neoliberal capitalism over the past few decades. Beginning in the 1980s with leaders like Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, neoliberalism championed free market policies, deregulation, privatization, and a focus on individual self-reliance over collective welfare.
This political and economic philosophy elevated self-interest and competition as primary virtues while downplaying communal values and the collective good. The result has been a more individualistic society where people are less inclined to help others or invest in their communities.
The wealth inequality produced by neoliberal policies has also left many feeling economically marginalized and socially isolated. As CEOs earn hundreds of times more than average workers, large swaths of the population feel left behind and disconnected from society.
Even our popular culture reflects this shift towards hyper-individualism. Where David Bowie once sang "we could be heroes," today's pop stars are more likely to use first-person pronouns and focus on individual achievement, like Kanye West declaring "I am a God."
The Health Toll of Loneliness
The loneliness epidemic isn't just a social issue - it's also taking a major toll on public health. Hertz cites research showing that chronic loneliness triggers the same "fight or flight" stress responses in our bodies as being under attack. This leads to increased inflammation, weakened immune systems, and higher risks for a range of illnesses.
Some stark statistics highlight the health impacts:
- Lonely people are 32% more likely to have a stroke
- They're 29% more likely to develop heart disease
- They're 64% more likely to develop clinical dementia
The economic costs are also significant. In the U.S. alone, loneliness among seniors costs Medicare about $7 billion per year. And that was before the isolating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interestingly, Hertz contrasts this with the example of the Haredim, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Israel. Despite having high rates of poverty and obesity, the Haredim have longer life expectancies than their secular counterparts. Experts believe their tight-knit community bonds and mutual support systems are responsible for this longevity boost.
Loneliness and the Rise of Right-Wing Populism
One of the book's most intriguing arguments is that loneliness may be a key factor in the recent rise of right-wing populist movements around the world. Hertz draws on the work of political theorist Hannah Arendt, who argued that totalitarian movements attract lonely individuals by offering them a sense of purpose and belonging.
In the modern context, Hertz sees a similar dynamic at play. Many working-class people, especially men, have lost economic security and social status due to globalization, automation, and neoliberal policies. This has left them feeling marginalized and disconnected from society.
Right-wing populist leaders like Donald Trump have tapped into these feelings of isolation and alienation. By promising a return to an idealized past and fostering an "us vs. them" mentality, they offer lonely individuals a sense of community and shared purpose. The matching hats and group chants at Trump rallies, for instance, create a feeling of fellowship and belonging.
Hertz cites polling data showing that Trump supporters were less likely to have close friends or engage in community activities compared to other voters. While correlation doesn't equal causation, she argues there's a clear link between social isolation and the appeal of exclusionary populist movements.
The Lonely City: Urbanization and Isolation
As the world becomes increasingly urbanized, with nearly 70% of the global population expected to live in cities by 2050, urban loneliness is becoming a major issue. Hertz explores how modern city life can be profoundly isolating, despite being surrounded by millions of people.
In many global cities like New York, Tokyo, and Paris, around half of residents now live alone. While solo living doesn't automatically equate to loneliness, it does increase the risk, especially during difficult times.
The author shares examples of services catering to lonely urban dwellers, like RentAFriend, where people can pay for platonic companionship. She describes her own experience hiring a "friend" in New York City, highlighting how such transactional relationships reflect our struggle to form genuine connections.
Another fascinating trend is the rise of "mukbang" - online broadcasts where hosts eat large quantities of food while interacting with viewers. For many isolated individuals, particularly in Asia, these parasocial eating experiences have become a substitute for real-life shared meals and social connection.
While such services may provide temporary relief from loneliness, Hertz warns they don't address the underlying issues or help build lasting relationships. There's a risk that relying on these shallow interactions could further atrophy our social skills and ability to form deep connections.
The Contactless Society
The Decline of Face-to-Face Interactions
One of the major themes in "The Lonely Century" is how modern technology and business practices are reducing our daily face-to-face interactions. Hertz describes the rise of contactless commerce, exemplified by Amazon Go stores where customers can shop without ever interacting with a human employee.
While convenient, this trend towards frictionless, human-free experiences is eliminating the small social encounters that brighten our days and help us feel connected to our communities. The author cites research showing that even brief, friendly interactions with service workers like baristas can measurably boost our mood and sense of belonging.
At the same time, funding cuts for public spaces like libraries, parks, and community centers have reduced opportunities for casual social mixing. These "third places" outside of home and work are crucial for practicing social skills and interacting with people different from ourselves.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated many of these contactless trends. While necessary for public health, Hertz cautions against allowing social distancing to become the permanent norm even after the crisis passes.
The Double-Edged Sword of Digital Technology
Digital technology promised to connect us globally, but Hertz argues it has often left us more isolated in our immediate surroundings. She notes that we check our smartphones an average of 221 times per day, often prioritizing online interactions over engaging with the people physically present.
This is especially concerning for children and teenagers who are growing up with ubiquitous screens and social media. Studies have found that excessive screen time in young children correlates with reduced emotional expression and empathy. For teens, social media use is linked to increased feelings of loneliness and FOMO (fear of missing out).
Cyberbullying has also emerged as a major threat to youth well-being. With half of children now getting smartphones before age 10, online harassment and exclusion have become inescapable for many kids.
Hertz argues that governments may need to step in to protect children from the addictive and isolating effects of social media, perhaps by restricting access for those under the age of consent. While potentially controversial, she compares it to other child safety measures like mandatory car seats that were initially resisted but are now widely accepted.
The Promise and Perils of Social Robots
As loneliness rates rise, particularly among the elderly, some see social robots as a potential solution. Hertz describes how in Japan, which faces a shortage of elder care workers, authorities have experimented with giving seniors robot companions. Many participants quickly grew attached to their artificial helpers.
The author also explores the world of ultra-realistic sex dolls and AI companions like Harmony. While primarily designed for sexual purposes, many users report forming emotional bonds with these robots and relying on them for companionship.
While robots may help alleviate acute loneliness for some, Hertz cautions that they are not a panacea. There's a risk that as robot technology improves, people may invest less time and energy in forming real human relationships. We must be careful not to use robots as a substitute for addressing the root causes of social isolation.
Rebuilding Connection
The Need for Structural Change
To truly address the loneliness epidemic, Hertz argues we need large-scale structural and policy changes. She draws parallels to the New Deal reforms enacted after the Great Depression, suggesting we need a similar ambitious program to rebuild social cohesion in the wake of COVID-19.
Some key areas for government action include:
- Strengthening social safety nets and welfare programs
- Investing in public spaces and community infrastructure
- Regulating technology companies to curb addictive design
- Implementing policies to reduce wealth inequality
Hertz also advocates for new forms of participatory democracy to give citizens a greater voice. She highlights Taiwan's vTaiwan platform, where hundreds of thousands of residents regularly weigh in on policy decisions. Such systems can foster a sense of civic engagement and shared purpose.
Personal Steps to Combat Loneliness
While systemic change is crucial, the book also outlines steps individuals can take to fight loneliness and build stronger connections:
- Prioritize face-to-face interactions over digital communication
- Join community groups or volunteer organizations
- Practice small acts of kindness and connection in daily life
- Limit social media use and be more intentional about technology
- Nurture existing relationships and reach out to old friends
- Seek professional help if struggling with chronic loneliness
Hertz emphasizes that even small actions like bringing treats to share at work or putting away our phones during conversations can make a difference. By consciously cultivating connection, we can start to reverse the isolating trends of recent decades.
Fostering a Collective Mindset
Ultimately, Hertz argues we need to shift away from the hyper-individualistic mindset fostered by neoliberalism and rebuild a sense of shared community and mutual care. This means thinking of ourselves as part of an interconnected social fabric rather than isolated competitors.
On a personal level, this could involve:
- Supporting local businesses and community organizations
- Participating in neighborhood events and initiatives
- Standing up for marginalized groups and promoting inclusion
- Considering the broader social impact of our choices as consumers and citizens
At a societal level, it means pushing for policies that prioritize collective welfare over narrow self-interest. This could include stronger labor protections, universal healthcare, or a Green New Deal to address climate change.
By rekindling our sense of common purpose and shared humanity, Hertz believes we can begin to heal the divisions of the Lonely Century and create a more connected world.
Conclusion
"The Lonely Century" paints a sobering picture of a world pulled apart by political, economic, and technological forces. Noreena Hertz makes a compelling case that loneliness has become one of the defining challenges of our time, with profound consequences for individual and societal well-being.
But the book is not without hope. By understanding the roots of our loneliness epidemic, we can begin to address it at both personal and structural levels. Hertz outlines a path forward that combines ambitious policy changes with a renewed commitment to human connection in our daily lives.
As we emerge from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have an opportunity to reimagine our social fabric. By consciously fostering connection and rebuilding our sense of shared community, we can work to make the coming decades an era of renewed togetherness rather than deepening isolation.
The journey won't be easy, but the stakes are too high to accept a lonely future as inevitable. With sustained effort and intention, we can restore human connection in a world that's been pulling apart and create societies that are more resilient, compassionate, and truly connected.
Key Takeaways
Loneliness has become a defining issue of the 21st century, driven by factors like neoliberal capitalism, urbanization, and technological change.
Chronic loneliness takes a major toll on physical and mental health, increasing risks for a range of illnesses.
Social isolation may be fueling the rise of right-wing populist movements by making people more susceptible to exclusionary ideologies.
Modern urban life and the decline of community spaces have made it harder to form meaningful connections.
While digital technology promised to connect us, it has often left us more isolated from those physically around us.
Social robots and AI companions may provide some comfort but risk further eroding our capacity for human relationships.
Addressing loneliness will require both large-scale policy changes and individual efforts to prioritize connection.
We need to shift away from hyper-individualism and rebuild a sense of shared community and mutual care.
Even small actions to foster connection in our daily lives can make a difference in combating isolation.
The post-pandemic period offers an opportunity to reimagine our social fabric and create a more connected world.
By shining a light on the pervasive problem of loneliness and offering a roadmap for restoring human connection, "The Lonely Century" provides an important and timely exploration of one of the most pressing issues of our era. Noreena Hertz's insightful analysis and practical suggestions offer hope that we can reverse the isolating trends of recent decades and build a more connected, compassionate society.