There is no epidemic of loneliness, but there is an epidemic of scurvy

The perceived epidemic of loneliness is a statistical misunderstanding, as data fails to show a universal, long-term increase in subjective loneliness. Instead, society faces an epidemic of "social scurvy"—a condition where individuals suffer from chronic social isolation without possessing an innate, reliable drive to seek companionship. Just as humans lack a biological detector for vitamin C, modern environments have decoupled survival from constant social contact, leading to a "liquefied" mental state characterized by apathy and poor decision-making. Because social stats are inherently weak, individuals must treat social interaction like a necessary nutrient, using "brute force" to engage with others even when the desire is absent. Prioritizing consistent, in-person connections—beyond one's immediate household—is essential to preventing the psychological and physical deterioration caused by prolonged solitude.