In the 21st Century: A Pervasive Sense of Isolation
In the 21st century, a pervasive sense of isolation haunts modern society. Studies indicate that loneliness has reached epidemic proportions, with over 20% of adults in Western nations reporting chronic feelings of disconnection.[^1] Social media, intended to connect us, often amplifies this alienation, reducing relationships to superficial metrics—likes, shares, and follows—while leaving deeper human needs unmet. This crisis is not merely a product of technology but reflects a centuries-long shift in thought and practice, rooted in the rise of individualism and the erosion of communal bonds.
