The New York Times reports on research suggesting that loneliness is contagious and may cause a “cascade of loneliness” within a social network.
The article quotes Dr. Nicholas A. Christakis of Harvard Medical School about the importance of paying attention to people who are socially isolated:
When we pay attention to the experiences of those at the periphery, when we make an effort to prevent this sad experience of loneliness, then we can stabilize the whole social network… We all benefit when we attend to the needs of those at the margins.
There is a risk of loneliness and isolation in any community—all the more so in a hectic metropolitan area like New York, and at a university like our own that prides itself on a challenging academic environment.
So, what can you do today, right now, to reach out to people who might be feeling lonely? How about inviting them for coffee, asking them along to an event or just dropping by to say a quick “hello”?
Time offers additional coverage and also reports on the happiness effect—the idea that positive emotions and behaviors can spread up to three degrees of separation away.
