19 Dec 2018
Loneliness in the digital age: How storytelling could be key this Christmas
Part of the 2018 Christmas campaign
In a new blog about digital loneliness, Prof Wilson explains that storytelling plays an integral part in our feelings of belonging and how without the ability to tell the stories we become isolated.
Using social media to build online relationships can be beneficial.
However, when the balance between on and offline tips into the digital realm it leaves a lack of human interaction and a void in people’s lives which is soon filled with feelings of loneliness.
The piece is part of Loughborough’s 2018 Christmas campaign, which this year has a focus on seasonal solitude and aims to raise awareness of the different ways people can feel lonely during December.
The campaign, launched by MP Rachel Reeves, the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Loneliness, also includes how using a traditional Hawaiian concept called kupuna (reminiscing) can help alleviate loneliness.
In the New Year, the focus will turn to the University itself and how loneliness can affect students who return to campus after the Christmas break.
For information about support and guidance related to loneliness visit: British Red Cross
ENDS