U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy on the Loneliness Epidemic
Loneliness is not just an emotional struggle. It is a public health crisis with serious consequences. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has been vocal about this issue, highlighting the alarming rates of loneliness, particularly among young people. In his 2023 report, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation (read more), Murthy detailed how loneliness increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. He has called for urgent action, equating the need for social connection to previous public health efforts addressing tobacco use and obesity.
On a recent episode of The Oprah Podcast (listen here), Murthy explained that many people are looking for fulfillment in the wrong places. “There are forces around us that are telling us that the way to fill the emptiness that many of us feel is to focus more and more on ourselves, right? To acquire more, to achieve more,” he said. But the real solution, he argues, lies in three fundamental pillars:
- Relationships
- Service
- Community
“When we focus on connecting to something bigger than ourselves, that is actually when we find joy,” Murthy told Oprah. “It is why service is one of the most powerful antidotes to loneliness.”
Social Media and the Decline of Meaningful Relationships
One of the most striking findings in recent studies is the generational divide in loneliness. A 2021 report from The Cigna Group (read more) found that 79 percent of adults between 18 and 24 reported feeling lonely, compared to only 41 percent of those 66 and older.
Murthy attributes this in part to the way young adults engage with social media. While platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow users to be in constant contact with others, they do not necessarily foster meaningful relationships. “We have moved from having confidants to contacts, from having friends to having followers,” Murthy said. “The truth is that whether we are lonely or not has to do with the quality of connections in our life, not the quantity.”
How Krew Social is Addressing the Loneliness Epidemic
At Krew Social, we believe in the power of real-world connection. Our app was built to combat the loneliness epidemic by helping individuals foster deeper relationships through meaningful interactions.
Unlike traditional social media platforms that focus on likes and followers, Krew Social is designed to help users find their “krew,” a community of like-minded individuals who share their interests, values, and passions. Whether it is through professional networking, faith-based groups, or local events, Krew Social makes it easier to form genuine, lasting connections.
The Power of Community: Our Partnership with Tampa General Hospital
In alignment with our mission, Krew Social has partnered with Tampa General Hospital to explore innovative ways to address loneliness among patients and healthcare workers. Research shows that social isolation can negatively impact patient outcomes and contribute to burnout among medical professionals. By integrating Krew Social into hospital networks, we aim to provide a structured way for individuals to connect with others who understand their challenges, fostering a greater sense of support and belonging.
Through this partnership, we are:
- Helping patients find support groups for those undergoing similar medical treatments.
- Creating community spaces for healthcare professionals to engage with peers and combat burnout.
- Encouraging local engagement through hospital-sponsored events that bring people together in meaningful ways.
How You Can Take Action
The loneliness epidemic will not be solved overnight, but small actions can make a big difference. Here are some steps you can take today:
- Prioritize meaningful conversations. Instead of focusing on maintaining a large number of acquaintances, invest in deeper relationships.
- Engage in acts of service. Whether it is helping a friend in need or volunteering in your community, service fosters connection.
- Join a community that aligns with your interests. Whether it is a faith group, a local club, or a professional network, finding your “krew” can combat feelings of isolation.
- Take intentional steps toward workplace connection. Scheduling a call with Krew Social can help your team foster the seven types of friendships necessary for retention, creating a more connected and engaged workforce.
Conclusion
The research is clear. Loneliness is a growing public health crisis with serious consequences. But as U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy reminds us, the antidote lies in relationships, service, and community. Krew Social is committed to leading the charge in this fight by creating tools that help individuals form meaningful connections in the real world.
Together, we can turn the tide on loneliness and build a world where no one feels alone.
