An excellent program aired on Dr. Oz in September, 2016 that explored the many contacts we have during the day with texting, Facebook, emails, etc. We feel that we are connected, but it does not correlate with reduced loneliness. That's the surprise- the constant social media interactions gives the illusion of being connected- we see the external signs- but our feeling component indicates that we are lonely. It doesn't jive with what we perceive as having lots of friends thru social media. But trust the feeling component, and since we are social beings, loneliness impacts our health. So, when you think- I don't have the time-even a small conversation on the phone is a step to better health. I think that for people who have no friends, social media is a good first step in reaching out, connecting on common causes, expressing a like, elaboration on what someone says- these are all great first steps if you're isolated. Take it to the next step- get together at a meeting, a lunch, a cup of coffee. It's hard in the beginning, but I'll show you how to reward yourself for taking these health-giving steps.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mehmet-oz/the-new-loneliness_b_11966516.html
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