Giving Compass' Take:

• Michelle Man and Thomas Abrams at NPC argue that technology helps reach people, brings people together, facilitates creative activities and the development of skills, and therefore by harnessing technology, we can reduce loneliness.

• How can youth charities properly harness the potential advantages of technology?

• Here is another look into the issue of loneliness.

We’ve been hearing a lot about the links between technology and wellbeing. Studies warn that relying on technology to communicate can reduce our enjoyment of face-to-face interactions, make us feel more anxious, and undermine our mental wellbeing. Loneliness may also be more painfully felt online, where exposure to idealised images of friends can result in negative social comparisons.

On the other hand, a recent study by Wavelength found that technology can help people feel less lonely. Young people’s opinions can also differ from their parents. A TalkTalk report found that half of young people think technology makes them feel less lonely, yet only a quarter of their parents agree.

Through our work with the Building Connections Fund, we’re learning about the opportunities technology offers for engaging young people and reducing loneliness. We’re finding that co-design is key because it enables young people to share what they think their needs are, what engages them, and what keeps them connected.

Read the full article about technology making us less lonely by Michelle Man and Thomas Abrams at NPC.