Our loneliness epidemic reveals America’s failed urban planning

In a time when we most need each other, we are the most alone.

In May of 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory calling attention to our epidemic of loneliness and isolation. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, over half of Americans reported measurable levels of loneliness. Often known as the silent killer, loneliness has been shown to lead to a myriad of individual and societal health problems, including depression, anxiety, and addictions to alcohol, drugs, and gambling.

Loneliness is a complex state caused by myriad of personal circumstances as well as societal trends. And while much attention has been given to the societal impacts of technology and social media on loneliness, the planning of American cities and towns – centered around the car and devoid of meaningful outlets for social interaction – has received less consideration that it deserves.