Exploring the Political Dimensions of Loneliness: Insights from Olivia Laing
“Far right groups prey on it”: Olivia Laing on the weaponisation of loneliness

Image: Theguardian
Olivia Laing reflects on her personal experiences with loneliness and examines its broader societal implications. She argues that loneliness is not merely an individual issue but a political one, exacerbated by social exclusion and the rise of far-right movements, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
- 01Loneliness is defined as a longing for more connection and intimacy, distinct from solitude.
- 02The 2024 Health Survey for England found that 22% of adults felt lonely at least sometimes, with 6% feeling lonely often.
- 03Far-right groups exploit loneliness, using it as a recruitment tool by offering narratives that stoke grievances.
- 04AI and social media can both exacerbate loneliness and provide superficial solutions, but they often fail to address the underlying issues.
- 05Community resources and social connections are essential in combating loneliness, which is linked to area deprivation.
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In her exploration of loneliness, Olivia Laing recounts her personal journey of isolation after moving to New York City in 2012. She emphasizes that loneliness is not solely an individual experience but is deeply influenced by societal factors such as stigma and exclusion. Laing highlights alarming statistics, including a 2024 Health Survey indicating that 22% of adults in England experience loneliness, with 6% feeling lonely often. The Covid-19 pandemic further intensified this issue, revealing that even socially secure individuals can face profound isolation. Laing warns that far-right groups prey on the vulnerable feelings of loneliness, using them to recruit individuals by fostering a sense of grievance and division. She critiques the superficial solutions offered by technology, such as AI companions, which may provide temporary comfort but ultimately fail to address the deeper issues of human connection. Instead, Laing advocates for community-based solutions that foster social ties and visibility, arguing that addressing loneliness is crucial for countering the rise of extremist ideologies.
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Laing's insights suggest that addressing loneliness through community initiatives can help mitigate social issues and reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies.
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