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Psychologists Reframe Solitude as a Healthy Practice as Urban Loneliness Rises

Clinicians flag isolation as concerning when it undermines daily functioning.

Overview

  • People who prefer time alone often show emotional independence, creative drive, selective relationships, and stronger attention.
  • Coverage distinguishes chosen solitude from unwanted loneliness, noting the former can restore balance and the latter reflects a lack of meaningful bonds.
  • Reports cite growing unwanted loneliness in large cities and say social media fosters superficial contact that can intensify emptiness.
  • Attachment patterns help explain tolerance for being alone, with anxious attachment tied to fear of abandonment and constant validation seeking.
  • Choosing solitude can strengthen relationships because people become more selective and invest in fewer, deeper bonds.