Modern humans tend to know more people than the past. This might seem like an adventage to some, and it is in some situations but this can arise the problem that can be called as “knowing a lot people but having no friends” this might also be called “crowded lonliness” which was chosen to be the word of the year 2024 by Turkish Language Assosiation. Of course the interaction of one can be with family too but if there is no emotional connection between member of the relations. For example we have “Bob” : Bob is afraid of death and does not fully believe in afterlife, while Bob’s parents are not scared to die. This might form a canyon where the family can stil hear Bob but they actually are not in touch. This the situation with modern humanity as we are talking interacting with each other constantly but there is not any real connection between anyone we all have cliffs and canyons separating us from the others.
Loneliness, especially in the form of “crowded loneliness,” can be deeply harmful to one’s mental and emotional health. The paradox of being surrounded by people yet feeling isolated creates a sense of disconnection that can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. Even though individuals may interact with a large number of people, the lack of genuine emotional support and understanding results in an internal void that’s hard to fill. This kind of loneliness can lead to deteriorating self-worth, as people might feel that despite their efforts to connect, no one truly knows them or understands their struggles. The constant engagement without real bonds might lead to exhaustion, leaving a person to question the authenticity of their social interactions and connections.
To counteract this issue, it is crucial to cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships. Strengthening communication, spending time with people who genuinely understand us, and practicing emotional vulnerability can all help bridge the emotional distance. It’s important to invest in the quality of connections over the quantity, focusing on a few people who offer real empathy and support. Additionally, finding communities or activities that foster genuine bonds, such as support groups or shared passions, can alleviate feelings of isolation. Technology can also play a role, but only if used to nurture authentic, face-to-face connections that create emotional intimacy. By recognizing and addressing crowded loneliness, we can begin to foster relationships that truly enrich our lives.