We all have heard the word loneliness, and many of us have experienced it or are going through it, although some of us even make fun of it. Loneliness is not a new phenomenon, initially, it was considered an issue primarily affecting the older generation and rarely troubling the younger ones. But now it is becoming a shared issue or an “us moment” for today's Gen Z. The most tech-savvy, digitally connected, active social media users reside in cities where skyscrapers soar, social events such as house parties, clubbing, and concerts are a common part of life yet loneliness stalks them like a predator. It’s a cruel irony: millions live in tight quarters, yet many feel more alone than ever. So, what is this loneliness that affects many of us? According to the American Psychological Association, “Loneliness is an affective and cognitive discomfort or uneasiness from being or perceiving oneself to be alone or otherwise solitary.” Loneliness creates a sense of emptiness as if something essential is missing from life. Dutch researcher De Jong-Gierveld described it as a state in which a person perceives an unwelcome or insufficient presence of meaningful relationships. As we stand in 2025, this hidden epidemic demands our attention not just for the pain it causes, but for the lives it threatens and the void it created. Urban youth are not just lonely; they are struggling with an urge to find a sense of belonging in a world that is both hyper-connected and profoundly detached.The Urban Loneliness Epidemic
In India, the rapid shift towards urbanisation and the rise of the nuclear family setup have left young migrants in cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi feeling unbound. Traditionally, the support of neighbours, kin, community, and elders provided emotional stability and helped individuals evolve. However, interviews with youth reveal a raw truth: loneliness feels like “being invisible in a crowd,” a sentiment that cuts across borders. Yet, urban culture often demands confidence as a necessity, forcing individuals to suppress their loneliness.
Studies paint a stark picture: nearly 40% of 18-34-year-olds in Western cities report frequent loneliness, a trend mirrored in India, where over 40% of urbanites felt friendless post-Covid. Gen Z, born into a digital dawn between 1997 and 2012, bears this weight acutely. In cities like Mumbai, London, or San Francisco, the tension of proximity without presence is undeniable. Young people ride packed trains, work in bustling offices, and live in towering apartment blocks, yet meaningful exchanges remain scarce. Technology amplifies the rift. Smartphones promise connection but often deliver shallow scrolls instead of soulful talks. In India, psychiatrists note Gen Z’s digital immersion leaves them with fewer real conversations, a void Covid’s lockdowns deepened. “I’d rather say I’m fine than admit I spent another night alone,” shares a young designer from Chicago, echoing a global refrain.
What’s driving this? Urban life is a crucible of isolation. Soaring rents force young adults into solitary shoebox apartments or tense shared flats, stripping away the communal fabric of family homes or small towns. Jobs—whether corporate marathons or gig-economy hustles—devour time, with over 60% of urban youth clocking 50-hour weeks.
Why It Persists?
Loneliness has both structural and cultural roots. Urban design often isolates people, high costs block access to social spaces, and transient lifestyles break childhood connections. In India, young people leave their hometowns for jobs or education, trading their roots for opportunities. While cities celebrate diversity, it can also create cliques or language barriers, leaving newcomers feeling left out. Time is another issue; long work hours leave little room for leisure, a grind that studies compare to “living on a treadmill.”
Cultural changes also play a role. In India, the focus on success often overshadows community, empowering individuals but leaving them isolated. Globally, traditional anchors like faith groups or neighbourhood clubs are fading in secular cities. Many young people see loneliness as “a secret shame,” afraid of being judged in a world that values independence. After COVID-19, these problems grew worse, lockdowns normalized isolation, and recovery has not fully healed the damage.
Gender adds another layer. Studies show young men often feel lonelier, possibly because social norms discourage them from expressing emotions, while women may hide their feelings better. Age also matters, people in their late teens to mid-20s are most vulnerable, as they navigate independence without guidance. Yet, society often labels youth as “resilient,” promoting hustle culture over genuine human connection. Critics argue that the system benefits from disconnection, tech companies profit from screen time, and cities rely on transient renters, while young people bear the cost.
Rebuilding Communities
Loneliness is not just a personal issue, it’s a societal one. In India, campaigns like Japan’s “Talk to a Stranger” initiative could help shift cultural attitudes. Schools could also play a role by teaching emotional skills like empathy and openness, preparing young people to build meaningful connections early in life. Experts say connection is as essential as food or water, yet cities and systems often prioritise profit over people. Cities need to change: building affordable housing near social spaces, creating parks where people can gather, and implementing work policies that reduce burnout could make a big difference. Tech companies keep us glued to screens, and landlords pack us into tiny apartments, while young people pay the price.
But urban youth aren’t doomed to loneliness. They have the power to rebuild connections in a disconnected world. Their stories show resilience: a shy coder hosting game nights, and a student organizing poetry slams. It starts with intention, putting down the phone, stepping out, and embracing the messiness of human relationships. As one young person put it: “See me.” In crowded cities like Mumbai or New York, no one should feel invisible. With determination and kindness, they can find their way back to connection.