Loneliness

In 2023, the United States Surgeon General declared an epidemic of loneliness and isolation. Loneliness is a condition that leads to multiple psychological and physiological morbidities including depression, cardiovascular disease, and even early death. This collection of papers explores the topic of loneliness via a wide spectrum of perspectives including: theoretical concepts of loneliness; assessments and interventions of loneliness in geriatric, adolescent, and LGBTQ+ communities; neurobiological and physiological impacts of loneliness; and social media and artificial intelligence. The novel experimental findings, timely reviews, and unique perspectives will provide important contributions to combat the loneliness epidemic. The virtual issue is edited by Louise Hawkley (NORC at the University of Chicago).