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The Loneliness Epidemic… A Loss of Third Spaces

  • arturonp05
  • Mar 16, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Nov 16, 2025

When was the last time you went somewhere to relax, be yourself and meet people without the aim or pressure to spend any money? The chances are you probably can’t remember.

 

This is because of the loss of something called ‘third spaces’ which can be described as a ‘home away from home’ (AlibsWrites, 2023) these places are social spaces that are not home or work environments, they serve as a place for people to gather, relax and connect with others. They allow you to come in and out with little to no money, so consequently; there is no social hierarchy. This creates a delightful atmosphere for people to mix with one another and just be human and bond over simple or complex things in life. These spaces may also express social and cultural norms, values or traditions  (AlibsWrites, 2023) some of these spaces include bars, markets, plazas, parks, clubs, community centres and even churches. Anthropologists have viewed such spaces as opportunities for people to socialize, conduct business, and exchange ideas. So it goes without saying that Third Spaces are vital for personal growth and community building.


The concept of third places has a long history dating back to ancient Greece, where the agora served as a hub for social, political, and economic activity. Photo generated with AI Midjourney by Author. ©️ AlibsWrites

However, with the growing cost of living and the rise of social media, society is increasingly becoming more heavily individualistic and capitalist, meaning it comes as no surprise that third spaces, which were once common, have become increasingly more difficult to come by. (Rao & published, 2024) Especially when we can access anything on the Internet from the comfort of our homes, and this is especially impacting young people (Generation Z and Millennials.) About 9.7% of young people between the ages 16-29, report feeling lonely often or even always, which is over three times more, compared to those over 70 (9.7%) what’s worse is this number has continued to rise, especially after lockdown. (Office for National Statistics, 2018) This increase in loneliness has been referred to as an ‘epidemic’ and is a growing concern, as it is leading to an enlarged number of young people with depression, anxiety and low self-esteem which can stop them from wanting to do anything with their lives. (Mind, 2019) This is scary because it goes without saying that young people are the future of Earth.


Credit: Ron Lach from Pexels


Sometimes it’s not that third spaces are shutting down it’s that they are shutting young people out, for example, some shopping centres in America are enforcing rules that mean people 18 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. (Lange, 2023) For teens third spaces should be where they can explore themselves and their communities in a safe yet unsupervised space, so as adults I find it immoral to shut them out of public spaces where they should be allowed even though we already have spaces that are for only us for example some bars and casinos and clubs. We have reached a point where we expect to not see children as we find them ‘annoying’ and ‘irritating’ but the only thing this has done is force them to seek community elsewhere for example social media. Linking back to my original point where I state that social media is rising in popularity and usage as third spaces go extinct and young people become increasingly more lonely. (Rao & published, 2024)


Dying Malls in America is becoming a trend, credit: Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

So next time you want to turn to a young person and tell them they need to put their phone down and blame them for being unsociable, try to bond with them! Be nice and understanding, it will be more effective!

 

Bibliography:


AlibsWrites. (2023, January 26). The Death of Third Places and the Evolution of Communities. ILLUMINATION. https://medium.com/illumination/the-death-of-third-places-and-the-evolution-of-communities-5bbffc01c5e

 

Rao, D., & published, T. W. U. (2024, March 26). The unfortunate, ongoing disappearance of “third places.” Theweek. https://theweek.com/culture-life/third-places-disappearing

 

 

Lange, A. (2023, December 5). Teens need malls. Malls need crowds. Why are they pushing kids away? The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/dec/05/teens-need-malls-malls-need-crowds-why-are-they-pushing-kids-away

 

Office for National Statistics. (2018, April 10). Loneliness - What characteristics and circumstances are associated with feeling lonely? - Office for National Statistics. Ons.gov.uk. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/articles/lonelinesswhatcharacteristicsandcircumstancesareassociatedwithfeelinglonely/2018-04-10


Image Credits:


AlibsWrites. (2023, January 26). The Death of Third Places and the Evolution of Communities. ILLUMINATION. https://medium.com/illumination/the-death-of-third-places-and-the-evolution-of-communities-5bbffc01c5e


‌‌Katella, K., & University, Y. (2024, January 19). How social media affects your teen’s mental health: A parent’s guide. Medicalxpress.com. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-01-social-media-affects-teen-mental.html


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