A girl figurine in pink top and blue trousers next to scrabble letters spelling loneliness.

Sophie Johnson

Recent discourse on social media has promoted the belief that people struggling with loneliness or feeling isolated need to “just go outside” to feel better. Not only is this completely wrong, but it is also reductive, disregarding the complex social and structural factors that contribute to this isolation.

According to this idea, it is the individual’s responsibility to seek out social engagement through joining groups, visiting community spaces and initiating conversations with strangers. However, this seemingly simple solution ignores the complicated reality of a society where communal spaces are on the decline and social expectations feel increasingly demanding.

The Modern Landscape Of Social Spaces

One of the biggest challenges of this “just go outside” argument is the decline of “third spaces”, referring to social environments different from home or work (the first and second spaces, respectively). These places include cafes, libraries and parks. Historically, these spaces allowed casual social interaction and were integral to bonding within your local community. However, in the UK, these spaces have become less and less accessible over time. Countless libraries, local pubs and community centres have been closed, making it more difficult for people to easily meet and connect with others, especially in urban areas. This structural deficit often makes the idea of “just going outside” completely unrealistic.

“People live in cities with millions of others, yet feel more isolated than ever”

The social fabric of the UK has shifted dramatically in the past few decades. Increased urbanisation, the rise of a gig economy and a focus on individual achievement has fostered an environment that prioritises personal advancement over participation within the local community. People live in cities with millions of others, yet feel more isolated than ever, struggling to force meaningful connections between fragmented social ties.

The Weight Of Social Expectation 

It is also ironic to advise people to initiate connections with strangers when social norms penalise unprompted interaction. The modern social landscape of the UK carries heightened expectations – people are expected to always present their best selves, managing social interactions flawlessly, often to the detriment of actual, genuine connection with others. Fear of judgement or social rejection can negatively affect even the most well-intentioned attempts at making friends, with many people often feeling pressure to fit in with the crowd rather than be themselves.

This difficulty is made worse for certain demographics. People with disabilities, social anxiety or other mental health conditions may find it especially challenging to strike up a conversation with strangers. This idea that they need to “try harder” not only underestimates these challenges but also trivialises the barriers they face daily. Instead of attempting to find a one-size-fits-all solution, it would be better to create inclusive and accessible spaces where everyone feels comfortable being authentically themselves.

The Loneliness Epidemic 

Loneliness is a growing issue in many developed countries, not just the UK. A 2021 study by the British Red Cross found that, before the pandemic, one in five adults admitted to often or always feeling lonely. Since the pandemic, many more people have started to feel lonely – stress, change and isolation can trigger loneliness, all of which came hand-in-hand with the lockdown measures through 2020 and 2021.

“Addressing loneliness on a systemic level would involve rethinking community structures”

Surprisingly, younger people report higher levels of isolation than older demographics. This reflects a deeper societal issue that cannot be solved by encouraging individual action as the only solution. Addressing loneliness on a systemic level would involve rethinking community structures, supporting local venues and encouraging more intentional, genuine interaction between people.

To take on loneliness meaningfully, the UK needs to recognise the interplay between public policy, urban planning and mental health resources. Restoring “third spaces” and fostering social environments that encourage social engagement could both play a key role in combating loneliness.

Moving Beyond Simplistic Solutions

Ultimately, “going outside” cannot be the single, simple solution for loneliness in a modern world that has left genuine connection near-impossible for many people. With rising societal pressures and vanishing communal spaces, it is becoming more and more evident that the solution for social isolation needs a nuanced approach, considering both individual and societal factors. Creating accessible, welcoming spaces and building communities that value inclusivity and compassion can provide an excellent start toward addressing this complex issue. After all, loneliness isn’t just being alone; it’s about a lack of meaningful connection – and that is rarely as simple as “just going outside”.

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Featured image courtesy of Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash. No changes made to this image. Image license found here.

Soph is a self-proclaimed musicophile, hot chocolate connoisseur, and a sort-of polyglot. She is also an avid lover of film photography, movies, and books.

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