By Scarlett Lewis, Chief Movement Officer, Choose Love Movement
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of an alarming trend affecting both adults and children—record levels of disconnection and loneliness. Despite living in an age where technology allows us to be more connected than ever before, studies indicate that people feel lonelier now than they did decades ago. For example, the 2020 Cigna U.S. Loneliness Index reported that over 60% of Americans often feel lonely, a significant increase from previous years (Cigna, 2020).
This sense of isolation is not just an emotional burden; it can have severe physiological impacts. Chronic loneliness has been linked to health issues such as heart disease, depression, and decreased immunity. Addressing this epidemic is crucial, especially as these feelings are intensifying. Statistics from the National Institute for Health and Care Research demonstrate that loneliness is not only pervasive but worsening annually (NIHR, 2021).
However, the road to combating loneliness is not hopeless. Positive psychology highlights the power of choice in cultivating love, connection, and belonging. Barbara Frederickson, a leading researcher in this field, offers insights in her book “Love 2.0: Finding Happiness and Health in Moments of Connection” about the transformative potential of love even in brief interactions. According to Frederickson, love can be experienced in short interactions, even with seeming strangers. She calls this transient experience of love, “positivity resonance”—a chemical burst experienced when people connect meaningfully, even if briefly.
What makes this notion empowering is that these moments of connection are possible in almost any interaction. Frederickson suggests that even a simple encounter in a grocery checkout line can create a surge of positive emotions. By making eye contact and approaching interactions with an open heart, individuals have the potential to experience this uplifting chemical wash of love. This is not only encouraging for single individuals but for anyone feeling isolated. Of course this takes courage but bravery is like a muscle and can be strengthened with practice!
The key takeaway from Frederickson’s research is that creating moments of connection, no matter how fleeting, can lead to significant emotional and physical health benefits. With intentional actions, people of all ages can foster a sense of belonging and be part of a solution to the growing loneliness epidemic. Another added benefit is that when we help and nurture others, we help and heal ourselves.
While statistics show a concerning trend, they also underscore a call to action. By consciously choosing to connect, society has the capacity to reverse this disconnect. As we recognize the critical role of meaningful human connections, efforts to foster environments encouraging such interactions can lead to healthier, more fulfilled lives.
This is why “Choose Love” is the message of our time.
