In this episode of The World Conversation, host Polly Brandt explores the growing crisis of adult loneliness and offers a practical guide to rebuilding meaningful human connections in modern life. Many listeners find themselves physically surrounded by others yet emotionally isolated, a phenomenon often dismissed as 'being busy' but which recent studies show is a structural societal issue. With data indicating that the number of young people with no close friends has risen fivefold since 2014, this discussion moves beyond personal blame to examine how geography, career demands, and digital habits have eroded our natural infrastructure for friendship. This episode is essential listening for anyone who feels invisible in crowded rooms or struggles to make deep bonds after university.

Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/sep/17/community-making-new-friends-connections-groups-activities-adults

More from The World Conversation: https://humanitymedia.org/the-world-conversation

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/sep/17/community-making-new-friends-connections-groups-activities-adults

Topics: adult friendship, social isolation, making friends as an adult, community building, loneliness epidemic, human connection, social anxiety, local community, mental health awareness, societal trends

#friendship #community #loneliness #connection #mentalhealth #society #adulting #relationships #wellness #culture #news #conversation

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/the-world-conversation/2026-09-25.txt