In the modern era, loneliness and social disconnection are increasingly significant societal concerns, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated the ‘isolated youth’ crisis in several countries, including South Korea. With digitization shaping social norms, cities worldwide are grappling with these issues, revealing a severe ‘friendship recession.’
Research indicates that loneliness, akin to lacking a close friend, negatively impacts health, equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Yet, quantifying friendship is complex, varying by quality, quantity, and context. Whether it’s how many Facebook friends one has or how many people one can confide in, the concept of friendship is nuanced and often stigmatized, making loneliness a challenging condition to admit and address.
Historically, friendships have held a crucial role in human social structures. They are formed through shared experiences, geographical proximity, common interests, and increasingly, online interactions. Despite this, admitting a need for friends or lack of them can be daunting, suggesting that the issue is not just about the quantity but also the acceptance of loneliness and the need for social connections.
In major South Korean cities, the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the issue of ‘isolated youth.’ This term refers to individuals who have severed ties with the outside world, choosing a reclusive lifestyle, as well as NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), who have completed their education but have not pursued further studies or employment. Recent surveys reveal that about 31.5% of the non-economically active population in these cities is youth aged 15-39. The number of isolated and withdrawn youth aged 19-34 surged to around 538,000 in 2021, a startling 61% increase from the pre-pandemic figures of 334,000 in 2019.
Experts warn of a looming crisis as the ‘COVID-era university students,’ who are unfamiliar with face-to-face interactions due to online learning, integrate into society. This looming crisis emphasizes the need to re-evaluate our societal structures and values and underscores global trends around loneliness and social disconnection.
There appears to be an ideal ‘tribal size’ to friendship groups, which traditionally has been between 12 to 15 individuals. However, the ideal number of close friends varies, with most people desiring around three or four. Interestingly, friendship was once highly valued by ancient philosophers like Aristotle, who saw it as an ideal relationship based on equality and mutual benefit, unlike most other relationships that tend to be transactional in nature.
However, in the 21st century, there are several barriers to forming friendships. These include geographical mobility, time constraints due to parenting or work, and the breakdown of relationships. As traditional institutions like family and religion decline, friendships outside these structures become more crucial. Yet, paradoxically, the number of people claiming to have close friends has also declined.
The consequences of friendlessness extend beyond social isolation, negatively affecting mental and physical health and limiting access to opportunities. Health studies suggest that friendships serve as a protective factor for various health outcomes. Furthermore, friendship provides a vital communication channel for job opportunities and life experiences. Without friends, individuals can feel emotionally isolated, which can detrimentally affect their physical health.
Concerningly, recent data reveals that 15% of young men currently report not having a close friend, a significant increase from 3% in the 1990s. Simultaneously, the reliance on friends in times of trouble has decreased for young men, further indicating a shift in social networks and support systems.
The COVID-19 pandemic has stressed our friendship networks, disproportionately affecting women. Over half of women surveyed in a recent study reported feeling lonely during the pandemic, compared to a third of men. This gender difference may be due to the roles that women traditionally undertake in their social circles, which include emotional support and maintaining social connections, roles that became more challenging due to the pandemic’s restrictions.
COVID-19 also exacerbated the issue of ‘isolated youth’ in South Korea. A representative from a local economic promotion agency running a support program for job-seeking youth, highlighted that “with youth becoming more accustomed to non-face-to-face interactions due to the pandemic, they are finding it increasingly difficult to engage in face-to-face activities.”
Unlike Japan’s ‘hikikomori’ phenomenon, which has led to the ‘8050 problem’ where unemployed hikikomori in their 50s rely on their elderly parents’ pensions, South Korea’s crisis reflects a blend of societal changes and unique pandemic-related circumstances. This rise in ‘isolated youth’ is not an issue confined to South Korea but a global challenge that demands attention.
To mitigate these impacts, experts suggest the need for comprehensive strategies. There is a growing call to address these problems at their roots, including encouraging social connection, easing the transition from education to work, and providing mental health support to those who need it. At the same time, societal attitudes towards friendship and loneliness must shift to facilitate open conversations about these issues, reducing stigma and promoting understanding.
Additionally, the trend of digitization and virtual connection, while convenient and broad-reaching, should not replace face-to-face interactions entirely. There is a need to strike a balance between leveraging technological advancements for connectivity and maintaining the essential human touch that shapes the very essence of friendship and social connection.
Finally, the importance of friendship and strong social networks should not be underestimated. As society navigates this ‘friendship recession,’ the value of investing time and energy in nurturing and maintaining friendships becomes clear. As individuals and as a community, overcoming the challenges of loneliness, social disconnection, and the ‘isolated youth’ phenomenon requires concerted effort, empathy, and understanding. This pressing global issue underscores the importance of collective responsibility to foster an inclusive and connected society, particularly in a post-pandemic world.
