Liza Meredith on Loneliness within University Campuses

In a recent article by the Minnesota Daily, Liza Meredith, faculty, explains that loneliness is about how individuals perceive their relationships with others. Students might feel connected to a few people but still lack a sense of belonging to a larger group, or they might feel part of a community but miss having close, personal relationships. There, it can lead to a cycle of depression and social anxiety, making it more difficult to reach out to others and make them more stuck in their head instead of having positive social interactions that could help lift their mood. She also mentions that the fear of feeling lonely in group situations can prevent students from participating, which only deepens their loneliness. In contrast, when people feel connected, they are more inclined to engage in activities that further strengthen their social ties, while loneliness has the opposite effect, creating a cycle of isolation.

Meredith also mentions that minority identities may face barriers to forming social connections due to difficulties finding others with similar interests and identities. However, social media can play a positive role in connecting with others easily. Still, on the contrary, it can play a negative role in loneliness, making it easier for individuals to compare themselves to others. 

Meredith mentions that a good way to address one's loneliness is by “going to office hours, joining research groups, and simply saying hello to people in class, which can help students feel more connected to their surrounding environments.”

Composed by Madison Stromberg, communications assistant.