Loneliness Will Kill You: The Story You’ve Never Heard | Dr. Gabor Maté

In our rapidly globalizing and technologically driven society, we have become increasingly disconnected from genuine human interactions. The digital age, while heralded for its conveniences and advancements, has also given rise to unprecedented levels of isolation. Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned physician and author, delves deep into the repercussions of this solitude in his thought-provoking discourse, highlighting the unspoken narrative that “Loneliness Will Kill You.“ Loneliness, as Dr. Maté posits, isn’t just a passing emotional state or an occasional feeling of being left out. It’s a chronic condition, a silent epidemic with far-reaching physical and psychological implications. Multiple studies, some of which Dr. Maté refers to, have connected persistent loneliness with a range of health problems: from weakened immune systems and heightened inflammation to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and a shortened lifespan. The poignant argument presented is that humans, by nature, are social creatures. Our biology is intertwined with our social connections. Hormones like oxytocin, often referred to as the ’love hormone’, emphasize our innate need for bonding. When these bonds are lacking or superficial, as is often the case in our screen-dominated culture, a void emerges.