Loneliness is a complex and multifaceted emotional state characterized by a perceived discrepancy between an individual's desired and actual social relationships.

Loneliness encompasses both the quantity and quality of social relationships within an individual's subjective experience.

Situational loneliness is a temporary response to specific life changes or transitions, such as starting college, or moving to a new city. In contrast, chronic loneliness is a more enduring and pervasive feeling of disconnection that persists despite life circumstances

For first-year college students navigating the transition to a new environment, it is crucial to prevent this temporary state from transitioning into chronic loneliness, which can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical well-being

Central to understanding loneliness is recognizing the inherent human need for social connection; that humans possess a fundamental drive to form and maintain lasting, positive interpersonal relationships.

This innate need is rooted in our evolutionary history, where social bonds were critical for survival.

Social connectedness involves feeling cared for, valued, and supported by others, and cultivating a sense of belonging and acceptance within a social network

Strong social connections and a sense of belonging act as protective factors against loneliness, promoting psychological well-being and resilience in the face of challenges

The 2023 Epidemic of Loneliness U.S. Surgeon General report emphasizes that loneliness is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.

The mortality risk associated with social disconnection is equivalent to smoking up to 15 cigarettes daily, exceeding the risks posed by obesity and physical inactivity.

Loneliness is a major risk factor for depression and anxiety, particularly among young adults navigating the transition to college.

individuals with the highest loneliness scores were approximately 14 times more likely to have major depressive disorder and 11 times more likely to have generalized anxiety disorder (Ernst et al., 2022).

Despite the significant health risks, less than 20% of individuals who often or always feel lonely or isolated recognize it as a major problem

Lonely students tend to have lower academic performance, higher dropout rates, and impaired social skill development (Stoliker & Lafreniere, 2015).

Loneliness has detrimental effects on cognitive function, particularly executive functions such as planning, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, which are crucial for academic success. (Cacioppo et al., 2016).

Loneliness is a significant predictor of lower academic outcomes and poorer mental health in university students (Duffy et al., 2020).

This impact is especially pronounced during the crucial first year, a time when students are adjusting to the demands of college life and building their academic and social networks.

Loneliness poses a significant threat to the overall well-being of first-year college students, stemming from a complex interplay of biological, social, and environmental factors that converge during this critical transition period.

The adolescent brain is still undergoing significant development, with neural pathways related to social cognition and emotional regulation being particularly susceptible to change (Nelson et al., 2005). This heightened sensitivity can intensify the experience of loneliness, making feelings of isolation and disconnection particularly acute.

The interplay of social factors, such as the emphasis on peer acceptance and belonging, and neurological factors, such as the ongoing development of brain regions involved in social cognition and emotional regulation, can make young adults particularly susceptible to the negative consequences of loneliness.

Many first-year students struggle to forge meaningful connections in this new environment, a challenge compounded by the significant social and emotional fluctuations that often mark the transition to college. 

The rise of loneliness is impacting individuals across various demographics and age groups, but its effects are particularly pronounced among young adults and college students. Nearly two-thirds (64.7%) of college students report feeling lonely, 28.4% report feeling isolated from others, 23.1% report feelings of being left out, and 21% report lacking companionship (Active Minds & TimelyCare, 2024).

 Time spent socializing among adolescents dropped from 13.5 hours per week in 1987 to 9.1 hours in 2016 (Twenge, Spitzberg, & Campbell, 2019). Similarly, the average daily time spent with friends decreased from 60 to 20 minutes between 2003 and 2019, while time spent alone increased (Kannan & Veazie, 2023).

Decreased in-person social interaction was associated with greater loneliness, particularly for those high in social media use. Adolescents who scored low in in-person interaction and high in social media use reported the highest levels of loneliness (Twenge et al., 2019).

Technology has a nuanced role in young people's lives, while excessive or passive social media use may displace meaningful in-person interaction and contribute to loneliness, active and purposeful engagement with online platforms can potentially foster connection and support.

For first-year college students, establishing a sense of belonging is essential for both academic success and well-being, and peer groups provide an excellent source for fostering these characteristics (Jabeen et al., 2021).

Structured social support and participation in on-campus groups and clubs can be particularly beneficial for fostering peer identity formation and reducing loneliness (Blankenau et al., 2023; Allen et al., 2021).

By providing opportunities for students to connect with peers who share similar interests and identities, universities can cultivate a sense of belonging and community, which can buffer against the negative consequences of loneliness.