Loneliness, Societal Preferences and Political Attitudes

Abstract

Loneliness and social and civic behaviours are intertwined in complex ways, and only a limited number of studies have explored these relationships. This chapter explains why loneliness and social isolation not only have implications for the health of the individuals affected (which is the focus of Chap. 4) but also can be seen as a threat to the well-being of our societies and to the vitality of our democracies. The chapter illustrates that loneliness and isolation are not just conceptually distinct but are associated with divergent outcomes. We find that behavioural preferences reported by lonely individuals differ widely from those reported by socially isolated individuals for many societal contexts, highlighting that being alone is different from being lonely. Loneliness and social isolation are both correlated with low interpersonal trust and reduced political efficacy (the extent to which a person thinks their voice counts in politics). However, lonely individuals tend to be more inclined to engage in risk-taking behaviours, potentially impacting community safety. Moreover, in contrast to socially isolated individuals, lonely individuals exhibit a greater willingness to donate to good causes and volunteer for charities and non-profit organisations. They also show a more long-term orientation, saying that they prioritise long-term benefits over short-term gains.