Loneliness is a serious problem in New Zealand, and most prevalent among the young - namely Gen Z.
In March 2020, when New Zealand went into national lockdown due to Covid-19, loneliness spiked in people aged 18-24 from 5.8 percent in 2018 to 20.8 percent in 2020 according to the ‘Alone Together’ report from the Helen Clark Foundation and Loneliness NZ.
The feeling of being lonely is different for everyone and is related to wider issues around cultural, community, and family circumstances. The digital era has accelerated the issue, particularly for the younger generations. We have become heavy users of social media and screen time which is creating disconnection, lack of deep human relationships and social connection.
The World Health Organisation has reported that loneliness, social isolation, and living alone can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and can lead to depression and suicide if left unchecked. Promoting social connection is imperative for the overall wellbeing and health of people and our communities.
“Social media was never designed to be a meaningful relationship with the world.” - Loneliness NZ
Local filmmaker, Melissa Fergusson produced a documentary film about loneliness in 2021 and her aim is to provide a deeper understanding and raise social awareness for people who are experiencing loneliness, and to find solutions to reduce the impact of being lonely.
Fergusson interviewed New Zealanders who are subject matter experts, therapists, health practitioners and charitable organisations about loneliness, including Loneliness NZ, Youthline, Student Volunteer Army, Cuddle Connection NZ and Michael Hempseed.
The ‘Loneliness in Aotearoa’ documentary explores and defines what loneliness is, and why it exists in our communities. It turns the spotlight on the generational divide and who is most impacted. It looks at how Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other video conferencing platforms like Zoom can connect us in the virtual world, but make us feel more anxious and disconnected. Fergusson looks at what we can do together to prevent and reduce loneliness.
In the UK, Tracey Crouch was appointed as the first Minister of Loneliness in 2018 in the world and said “Nobody should feel alone or be left with no one to turn to. Loneliness is a serious issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds, and it is right that we tackle it head on.” In 2021, Japan appointed a Minister of Loneliness to implement measures to prevent social isolation. At this present time, New Zealand does not have a Minister; however maybe we should?
Melissa Fergusson directed and produced the documentary ‘Loneliness in Aotearoa’ as part of her evidence-based research on loneliness as a Masters student at Tech Futures Lab in Auckland. Fergusson has been a writer, director and producer for screen and stage for the last 12 years.
#ponsonbynews #iloveponsonby #ponsonby #auckland #aucklandshippestrip #onlyponsonby #ponsonbyroad #Greylynn #freemansbay #westmere #ponsonby #hernebay #stmarysbay #archhill #family #friends #coxsbay #Loneliness
Published 4 February 2022