Health is social. It always has been.
Way back in the day, if you didn’t have a tribe, you risked being eaten by a lion or starving to death. Today, the risks are different, but just as real. Loneliness, disconnection, and division are quietly undermining our health and well-being in profound ways.
The evidence is clear. Take former Surgeon General Murthy’s report that compared the health risk of chronic loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Or consider the Blue Zones, regions of the world where people routinely live into their 90s and beyond, which identify strong social networks (such as moai, from the Japanese word for “meeting for a common purpose”) as a core contributor to longevity.
Social connection isn’t just pragmatic—it’s behavioral, and it’s (usually) inherently good for our well-being. At work, for example, if your boss models healthy boundaries, takes vacations, or exercises regularly, you’re more likely to do the same. A Harvard study found that behaviors that contribute to obesity can ripple through social networks: if your friends are obese, your chances of becoming obese rise significantly.
Notwithstanding the potential negative influence of social groups on habits, on the whole, social connection itself contributes to happiness and better health.
And yet, social and civic life has been quietly eroding for decades. Robert Putnam warned us in Bowling Alone that we were becoming more disconnected long before the pandemic forced us into physical isolation. Ironically, “social” media has made things worse: while we’re more digitally connected than ever, many of us feel lonelier. The comments, likes, and shares aren’t the same as real conversation, shared purpose, or belonging.
So, what if we flipped the script?
What if we treated social connection not as a luxury, but as a vital sign?
The good news is, change doesn’t have to be that radical. Research shows that even “weak ties”—brief, everyday interactions—can boost well-being. The bar is low, and the impact is high. Try these:
- Say hello to your mail carrier. Do you know his or her name?
- Skip the self-checkout and thank the cashier.
- Sit at a communal table next time you eat out. And yes, eat out—don’t just order DoorDash and sit in front of a TV.
- Volunteer in your local community.
- Join a book club.
- Text an old friend just to say you’re thinking of them.
- Call your mother (or daughter, or friend).
The challenge is growing. With AI and automation replacing more human roles, and convenience making it ever easier to isolate, we risk losing the very interactions that sustain us.
But we can change that—individually and collectively.
Do you agree? How do you think social connection impacts your own health, and what are you doing to strengthen it? Drop me a note on LinkedIn or via email to share what you think. Better yet, maybe we can connect IRL at an upcoming health or policy conference. I look forward to meeting 😊
