Weaponising Loneliness: Why We Must Take the Epidemic Seriously

Loneliness is one of the most pervasive and misunderstood issues of our time. It’s often dismissed as a fleeting feeling, a natural part of life, or worse, romanticised as an opportunity for self-reflection. Some argue it’s a problem we’ve exaggerated, a convenient scapegoat for broader societal challenges. But let’s be clear: loneliness is not just a passing mood or poetic yearning. For those truly trapped in its grip, it is suffocating. It is isolating. And it can be deadly.

The Reality of Loneliness

Let’s dispel a myth: loneliness is not merely wanting alone time or solitude to escape the chaos of daily life. For millions of people, loneliness is not a choice. It’s waking up every day feeling invisible, like no one truly knows or cares about you. It’s the crushing fear of rejection that stops you from reaching out. It’s turning to a bottle of vodka every night because it feels like the only companion that won’t let you down. And it’s not just an emotional burden — loneliness has been linked to severe health risks, from heart disease to depression.

To brush off loneliness as "overhyped" is a privilege only afforded to those who haven’t truly experienced its darkest depths. The suggestion that loneliness should be "embraced" or "normalised" ignores the very real dangers it poses and diminishes the lived experiences of countless individuals who suffer in silence.

Recent research has taken this understanding even further, uncovering how loneliness impacts our physical health on a biological level. A groundbreaking study found that loneliness and social isolation lead to an increase in proteins associated with inflammation and illnesses like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and even mortality. These proteins don’t cause loneliness; rather, loneliness itself elevates their levels, putting our bodies in a constant state of stress that weakens immunity and heightens vulnerability to disease. The evidence is clear: loneliness isn’t just emotionally taxing — it’s a silent killer, and addressing it is critical for both our mental and physical well-being.

Weaponising Loneliness

The danger doesn’t stop at ignorance. In the wrong hands, loneliness can be weaponised. We’ve seen it in political movements, where figures like Trump exploit feelings of alienation and offer parasocial relationships as a substitute for genuine connection. They turn loneliness into a recruiting tool, rallying disenfranchised individuals under the guise of camaraderie, while perpetuating division and fear.

It’s not just politics. Incel communities and certain tech cultures prey on lonely individuals, convincing them that their isolation is a reason to lash out or withdraw further. These echo chambers don’t just fuel resentment — they stoke dangerous behaviors that ripple through society.

The Role of Connection

This is where Get Out comes in. We’re not here to medicate loneliness or slap a Band-Aid on the issue. We’re here to fundamentally change the way we connect as a society. Loneliness is not just an individual problem — it’s a systemic one. It demands systemic solutions.

At Get Out, we aim to be the glue that brings people together. We’re creating a platform where community organisations, local businesses, and individuals can come together to amplify each other’s successes and elevate one another. Whether it’s finding a sports club, a book club, or simply a group of people who understand and accept you, we want to make those connections easier to find and more meaningful to maintain.

And we’re doing this with purpose. The success of Get Out won’t be measured by revenue but by the impact we have on the community. If someone reconnects with their passion for art, finds a supportive friend group, or learns how to give back to their community, we’ve done our job.

The Call to Action

For those who trivialise loneliness or argue it’s overblown, I have one question: why risk underestimating it? Loneliness is not a fleeting feeling to be embraced; it’s a silent epidemic with tangible consequences. And while some may dismiss it as overhyped, countless individuals and communities know it to be real, painful, and urgent.

To those who recognise the importance of tackling this issue: let’s take action. Let’s stop romanticising loneliness and start addressing it. Let’s build spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected — not just in cities but in the regions, where isolation is often felt most acutely.

Together, we can rewrite what it means to be a community. Not one built on superficial likes and swipes, but one rooted in genuine support, shared passions, and real connections.