Guest article by Tor W. Andreassen.
In an era marked by rising isolation, Professor Tor W. Andreassen highlights the urgent need to address loneliness through social entrepreneurship and collaborative innovation. This brief explores the critical shift from market-driven models to socially responsible strategies, aiming to mitigate the widespread impacts of this ‘silent epidemic’ and foster a more inclusive society.
According to S-D Logic, service is “the application of specialized competences (skills and knowledge) through deeds, processes, and performances for the benefit of another entity or the entity itself.” A service approach to combating loneliness, is at the heart of service, service research, and our community.
Loneliness, as defined by the American Psychological Association, is the subjective feeling of being alone and isolated, and affecting millions globally across all demographics. Surprisingly, globally young adults report more feeling lonely than older people.
Recognized increasingly as a severe global health issue, loneliness has been termed a ‘silent epidemic.’ It is associated with significant health risks, including cardiovascular diseases, mental health issues, and heightened mortality, making its societal and economic impacts profound.
The Emergence of Loneliness as a Societal Challenge
Recent studies highlight the pervasive nature of loneliness, with over a third of adults in the United States alone reporting feelings of isolation. In Norway, a small advanced welfare-based society, 28% of women and 18% of young adults report feeling lonely. According to a resent Gallup study covering 77% of the world’s population (excluding China), the trend is global.
This prevalence is alarmingly higher among younger demographics, signifying a trend that portends long-term societal effects. The ramifications extend beyond personal health, affecting societal well-being and healthcare systems, with billions annually expended on related costs.
The Role of Service Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship
The rising awareness of loneliness invites a reorientation from viewing it as a market opportunity to recognizing it as a call to social responsibility. This paradigm shift emphasizes the development of innovative services and interventions through social entrepreneurship, in collaboration with government initiatives, aimed at addressing and mitigating loneliness. The focus is on creating impactful, accessible, and culturally sensitive solutions that promote social connection and community engagement.
Long-term Effects and Societal Implications
Particularly concerning is the increasing isolation among younger adults, which poses long-term challenges such as sustained health issues, decreased productivity, and broader societal disconnection. Addressing this trend is crucial for fostering a healthier, more cohesive future society.
Research Directions for Academia
In light of these considerations, the following research topics are proposed for academics:
1. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Social Interventions: Research should focus on assessing the impact of various service innovations and social interventions on reducing loneliness, particularly those facilitated by partnerships between social enterprises and government bodies.
2. Understanding Loneliness in Younger Populations: Studies aimed at understanding the root causes, manifestations, and long-term effects of loneliness among younger demographics are vital. This includes examining the role of digital technology and social media in exacerbating or alleviating loneliness.
3. Designing Inclusive Service Solutions: There is a need for research into the development of inclusive, accessible services that address loneliness across different cultural, socioeconomic, and age groups. This includes exploring how service design can cater to diverse needs and contribute to building stronger, more connected communities.
Conclusion
The challenge of loneliness requires a concerted effort, transcending the pursuit of profit to address a growing societal concern. By focusing on service innovation and social entrepreneurship, in partnership with governmental efforts, we can forge paths to a more connected, inclusive society. Academics have a crucial role in contributing to this endeavor through targeted research, guiding the development of effective, compassionate solutions to combat the loneliness epidemic.
Tor W. Andreassen
Professor of Innovation at the Norwegian School of Economics
Research Fellow at DIG
Visiting Professor at IFM, University of Cambridge, UK
Image credit: Geoffroy Hauwen.
