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Feeling lonely isn’t the same as being socially isolated—and the difference matters. You can have few social connections and not feel lonely or be surrounded by people and still feel alone. Social isolation refers to having few relationships or limited contact with others, while loneliness describes the distressing feeling that your relationships don’t provide the connection you want or need. Social disconnection is a broader term that can include both experiences.
In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General highlighted the importance of social connection to our health and well-being in “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation”. Understanding these differences can help you recognize what you or someone you care about may be experiencing—and find ways to build stronger connections. This article explains what social isolation, loneliness, and social disconnection mean, how they can affect your health, and practical ways to strengthen connections with others.
Isolation, Loneliness, and Disconnection: Key Differences
| Term | What it means | What it may look like |
|---|---|---|
| Social Isolation | Having a few relationships or limited contact with and support from others | Rarely seeing or speaking with other people; having little help available |
| Loneliness | Feeling a gap between the connection you want and the connection you have | Feeling alone, left out, or disconnected—even when other people are around |
| Social disconnection | A broader term that can include both social isolation and loneliness | Having limited social contact, feeling lonely, or experiencing both |
What’s the difference between social isolation, loneliness, and social disconnection?
These terms are often used interchangeably. But there are differences that make your word choice matter:
- Social isolation is defined as not having relationships, contact with, or support from others.2 For some people, isolation may be a choice. They may choose not to engage with others for a variety of reasons. If isolation is a conscious choice, the impact may be less severe.
- Loneliness, on the other hand, focuses on the difference between the connections someone desires or wants to have and the connections they actually have. It can include feelings of being alone, disconnected, distant from others, out of place, and without meaningful or close relationships.3 Loneliness is not a choice and has a greater impact.
- Social disconnection brings the two definitions together: the objective isolation and the subjective, or perceived loneliness.4
How can a lack of social connections affect our health?
Research shows that people who are experiencing social disconnection are at an increased risk for health conditions like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and early death.2 The risk of depression, anxiety, suicidality, self-harm, and substance use disorders can also increase for those experiencing social disconnection.2 The health consequences are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes per day.1
Thankfully, these risks can be reduced with social connections. Social connectedness has been shown to lower blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), A1C and smoking rates.5 Cancer patients experienced an increased desire to live.5 Others saw a reduced risk of coronary artery disease, depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and cognitive decline.5,6 Connecting with others can increase happiness5 and resilience.7
What can I do when I feel lonely or isolated?
When we’re feeling disconnected from others, it can be challenging to take the first steps toward connection. You may need to start with small steps. The more you do, the greater the benefit. Consider some of these strategies to help get you started:
- Consider what friendship means to you. Knowing what’s important to us in a friendship can guide us to activities where those people gather.
- Seek out activities you enjoy. Visit your local senior center, parks and recreation department, library, or local community college to find classes or activities of interest. You may find community-based exercise or physical activity programs to be helpful.8
- Embrace technology. Connect with a telephone companion program or friendship line, use video when calling family or friends, or try a virtual program run through a community organization.8
- Engage in intergenerational programs. Getting to know people from multiple age groups can help build your social circle. Volunteer at a local school or take a course at a local college or university.8
- Don’t forget your furry friends. Building a bond with a four-legged friend can have great benefits. Look for animal-assisted therapy programs or find a companion animal program to connect with.8
- Practice self-care. Self-care can help reduce stress, build healthier relationships, and help you feel like you belong.9
How can I build stronger social connections?
Building connections in your community is another great way to reduce isolation and loneliness. Try one of these ideas to help build community connections:
- Organize a neighborhood clean-up or physical activity event like a fun run.
- Gather a group of friends or neighbors and host a cook off, bake off, or kitchen showdown. See who can make the best dessert or other food, or only allow participants certain ingredients to make their dish.
- Engage in volunteer opportunities through local, state, or national organizations.
- Establish a “buddy system” at your local senior or rec center that connects seasoned members with new members. The buddy can help show the person around, introduce them to others, and answer questions.
- Start a hobby group (i.e., games, crafts, book club, etc.). You may find it helpful for members to rotate hosting if you don’t have access to a central location like a community room.
While the impact of isolation and loneliness can feel daunting, there are practical, simple strategies that can be used to help build and strengthen social connections. With all new habits, it may take some trial and error to find the strategies that work best for you, but the effort will be worthwhile. Social connections can help us stay physically and mentally well while bringing happiness into our lives, even small connections can have a profound impact.
Sources
1. U.S. Surgeon General. Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation. 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/risk-factors/index.html
3. A. Necka, E., et al. Commentary on social disconnection in late life mental illness. August 26, 2020. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7448789/
4. J. Na, P., et al. Social Disconnection as a Global Behavioral Epidemic-A Call to Action About a Major Health Risk Factor. May 23, 2024. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11112624/
5. Martino, J., et al. The Connection Prescription: Using the Power of Social Interactions and the Deep Desire for Connectedness to Empower Health and Wellness. October 7, 2015. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6125010/
6. Holt-Lunstad, J. Social connection as a critical factor for mental and physical health: Evidence, trends, challenges, and future implications. September 16, 2024. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11403199/
7. MyHealth.Alberta. Social Connections. July 31, 2024. Found on the internet at https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abl0295%20
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Promising Approaches to Promote Social Connection. May 14, 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/data-research/promising-approaches/index.html
9. Bottaro, A. What is Self-Care and Why is it Important? July 3, 2026. Found on the internet at https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-self-care-5212781
