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Learn about Loneliness

For me, it all started with John Cacioppo. It was around 2010 when I first read his work - not realising, at the time, that I would eventually experience profound loneliness myself. No, at that point I was just a geek, geeking out on some super-hot science. Ooh, baby.

Those who know me well have probably heard me refer to Julianne Holt-Lunstad as the Beyonce of loneliness academia. If so, then Cacioppo was Elvis. Their contributions have been revolutionary in the field of social neuroscience and in my own learning journey. Without these two, and a number of other admirable social scientists, neuroscientists, and psychologists, I might never have developed a passion for this subject.

For newer thinkers, researchers, and social health advocates, these dedicated academics are the giants upon whose shoulders we stand. Without their work on a subject that was (and still, to some degree, remains) highly stigmatised, the study of social wellbeing would not be what it is today.

I realise, however, that many people just aren't into peer reviewed studies and meta-analyses. Those people are in luck.

In recent years, some amazing books and very accessible resources have been released, bringing the topics of loneliness and social wellbeing out of the ivory towers of academia and into our living rooms.

Please note that if I've mentioned a resource here, it means that I personally recommend that content. It is not intended to imply mutual endorsement from the creator.

First, you can find TedX talks by both Holt-Lunstad and Cacioppo, which give a quick peek into their fascinating work.

For more from Dr. Holt-Lunstad, who continues to lead the charge on understanding loneliness and how it affects us, try exploring her website.

Prof. Cacioppo has now sadly passed, but leaves the legacy of a book entitled Loneliness co-authored with William Patrick, which is well worth a read.

Here are a few other books that I've enjoyed:

Belonging by Owen Eastwood

Friendship in the age of Loneliness by Adam Smiley Poswolsky

The Art and Science of Connection by Kasley Killam

The Village Effect by Susan Pinker

Lost Connections by Johann Hari

Together by Vivek H. Murthy

Platonic by Marisa Franco

Billy No-Mates by Max Dickins

Together by Amanda Wallis & Gaynor Parkin

Solitude: A Return to the Self by Anthony Storr

This Exquisite Loneliness by Richard Deming