Sunday Pick: All the lonely people | from Corner Piece

Loneliness functions as a natural signal of unmet social needs rather than an inescapable epidemic. While digital connectivity offers convenience, it often fails to replicate the "ambient" sense of belonging found in physical community spaces. Historian of medicine and emotion Fay Bound-Alberti explains that loneliness arises during periods of social reorganization, distinguishing between structural isolation and episodic feelings of disconnection. To bridge this gap, individuals can engage in "ambiguous" social interactions, such as becoming a regular at a local cafe or attending group classes, which foster a sense of being part of a larger fabric. Ultimately, viewing loneliness as a constructive indicator of what one lacks—rather than a shameful condition—allows people to actively cultivate deeper, more meaningful connections within their environments.