Technology 'lifeline' for fighting loneliness: Report

By Gozde Bayar

ANKARA (AA) - A new study has aimed to debunk the popular opinion that technology contributes to alienation and loneliness in society.

The U.K.-based University of York in data collected from 180 people over a period of two years has proven that technology in fact plays a role in reducing feelings of loneliness.

"People who received technology saw a statistically significant reduction in emotional and social loneliness," said WaveLength, a charity which released the report.

The non-profit organization gives away radios, televisions, and tablets to people living in poverty to help them fight loneliness.

“After receiving technology, people rated their own health as higher, compared to two months before,” said the report, adding that a reduction in loneliness was associated with an increase in self-rated health.

The report also highlighted that there is no correlation between age, sex, region, and loneliness.

“Loneliness is universal and so too is the gift of technology as one of the many solutions for fighting it,” it added.

The report also dismissed the belief that technology itself causes loneliness.

“In fact, it [technology] led to improved mental wellbeing, quality of life, and satisfaction. […] For people who have nothing, technology is a valuable lifeline,” the report added.