Gen Z is experiencing feelings of loneliness more frequently than any other generation, according to new research. A poll of 2,000 adults found that 37 per cent of Gen Z say they often feel lonely, compared to just 15 per cent of Gen X and 11 per cent of Baby Boomers.
A third of respondents admitted they don’t get enough regular human interaction, with the study revealing that, on average, people spend five-and-a-half hours a day on screens. Nearly half believe they spend more time talking to people digitally than they do face-to-face. As a result, a third confessed they have gone several days without speaking to anyone at all.
The loneliness trend is on the rise, with more than four in ten saying they feel lonelier than they did five years ago. A staggering 78 per cent believe loneliness is a growing problem in society, while one in five adults admitted they wouldn’t know how to start a conversation with a stranger.
The research was commissioned by McVitie’s, which has joined forces with mental health charity Mind and viral documentary creator A Mug of Life to shine a spotlight on the nation’s struggle with loneliness and encourage people to get talking again.
Will Shears, known for his candid chats with strangers on social media, said: “In a digital world where we’re able to spend time in front of our screens to connect with others, it’s important to remember we can have meaningful connections away from technology too.
“Making strangers cups of tea across the UK has highlighted to me the power that having a chat can have on your mental health. A cup of tea, a biscuit and a lovely chat can have such an overwhelmingly positive impact on you and a stranger’s day.”
Andrew Berrie from Mind added: “In a world that has seen so many challenges, including a pandemic, political instability, war and unrest, and an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, it is perhaps no surprise that many of us are feeling lonelier now, compared to five years ago.
“Although loneliness isn’t in itself a mental health problem, having a mental health problem can increase feelings of loneliness. And some research suggests that loneliness can increase stress and is associated with an increased risk of certain mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
“We know talking isn’t the whole solution, but it can help us feel less alone, more able to cope and encouraged to seek support if we need to. We’re partnering with McVitie’s to encourage people to connect over a cuppa and a biscuit, and to have those conversations with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours.”
Sarah Webster, mental health ambassador at McVitie’s, said: “Whether it’s asking about someone’s day over a cup of tea and a biscuit, going for a walk with an old friend, or opening the biscuit tin during a work break to find out how your colleague is, these day-to-day activities are gateways to conversation.
“We want to see people put the kettle on, enjoy some biscuits and have a good old chat.”
FIVE CONVERSATION STARTERS:
- How are things going for you lately?
- What’s been on your mind recently?
- Would you like a cup of tea and a biscuit?
- What’s something you’re looking forward to?
- What’s your most memorable cup of tea?