More Than Half of Americans are Lonely, Survey Shows

More than half (57%) of Americans are lonely, according to the results of Loneliness in America 2025, a recent online survey from The Cigna Group conducted by the Evernorth Research Institute. Results were collected from over 7,500 U.S. adults aged 18 and older from May 29 to June 14, 2024.

Researchers found that younger generations, such as Gen Z and Millennials, are more lonely than older generations, such as Gen X and Baby Boomers, even though Gen Z and Millennials are more technologically connected than other generations.

“For most young people, social media and digital connections don’t serve as a replacement for human connection,” Stuart Lustig, M.D., M.P.H., national medical executive for behavioral health strategy and product design with Cigna Healthcare, a division of The Cigna Group, said in an email interview with Managed Healthcare Executive. “In fact, social media can contribute to greater feelings of isolation, lower self-esteem or self-image, difficulty focusing on reality, bullying or negative comparison to peers. We know, however, that for some young people, digital connections can be a lifeline where they may lack connection in other aspects of life.”

This trend of connected isolation was also reported by unpaid caregivers, who include those caring for children and disabled adults. The survey showed caregivers under the age of 45 were lonelier than older caregivers. For example, 72% of adult caregivers ages 18-32 reported loneliness, compared with 59% of adult caregivers ages 45-64. This may be because older individuals have more life experience and therefore have a greater sense of competence when caring for others, the survey says.

Loneliness has also reached the workplace, with 52% of workers reporting that they feel lonely. This can have financial effects, as well as mental and physical effects. Lonely workers are more likely to be unfocused, miss work and seek employment opportunities elsewhere. Stress-related absence can be attributed to an estimated $154 billion annually, according to the 2023 United States Surgeon General Advisory Report on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community. In addition, less lonely employees are more likely to work harder than lonely employees (74% vs. 63%), according to the Cigna survey.

Loneliness isn’t just about mental health. The physical health effects of feeling socially isolated are comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to the Surgeon General Advisory.

Factors that can shape social connection happen on an individual, relational, community or societal level. For example, gender, household size, outdoor space quality and historical inequities can all contribute to or lessen isolation, according to the Cigna survey.

Social connection influences health in three ways: biologically, psychologically and behaviorally. Specifically, social connection decreases stress hormones, provides a sense of purpose and can be connected to more healthy behaviors, which can be as simple as a loved one’s reminder to eat better or get more sleep, the Surgeon General’s Advisory says.

Ways to combat loneliness include destigmatizing mental health and watching for loneliness risk factors. Individuals who are feeling lonely may have many acquaintances but no close friends, express feelings about self-doubt or complain that no one understands them, the Cigna survey says.

“Younger generations, particularly Millennials, can demonstrate resilience by actively engaging in activities that interest them, prioritizing physical health, and fostering social connections,” Lustig said. “Older adults may be able to learn from younger generations by making time for relationships, pursuing interests and building social muscles to combat loneliness.”