经观社论|让孤独可言说
经济观察报·2026-01-17 04:59

Group 1 - The article discusses the pervasive issue of loneliness, highlighting its quiet nature and the societal implications it carries [2][3] - A mobile application called "Are You Dead?" gained popularity for addressing loneliness by sending alerts to emergency contacts if users do not check in for two consecutive days, indicating a global resonance with the issue [2] - The phenomenon of "lonely deaths" is presented as a significant concern, with statistics from countries like Singapore, South Korea, and Japan illustrating the growing prevalence of this issue [3][4] Group 2 - Loneliness is identified as a global health crisis, with the World Health Organization recognizing it as an urgent health threat in 2023, linking it to various health risks such as cardiovascular diseases and mental health issues [4] - Different countries are implementing systems to combat loneliness, such as Hong Kong's "Safe Clock" and Singapore's "Worry-Free Call" service, which aim to create safety nets for vulnerable populations [4][5] - The establishment of "loneliness ministers" in the UK and Japan signifies a societal acknowledgment of loneliness as a public health issue, aiming to coordinate resources and address related social problems [5] Group 3 - The article emphasizes the need for societal changes to address loneliness, suggesting urban planning that encourages community interaction and the importance of fostering neighborhood relationships [5][6] - In the context of China, the article points out the diverse manifestations of loneliness across different regions and the potential for cultural traditions to provide solutions to mitigate loneliness [6]