It’s no secret that there is an epidemic of loneliness plaguing the United States and the world at large. Almost one in four adults worldwide reported feeling very or somewhat lonely, found a Meta-Gallup poll.

However, one generation feels lonelier than all others, according to recent research commissioned by charity Eden Project Communities as part of the Big Lunch initiative.

The survey revealed that Gen Z is the loneliest generation, despite being more connected than ever.

People between the ages of 16 and 24, part of the group commonly referred to as Generation Z, are the loneliest generation, according to new research.

The survey found that 19% of 16-24-year-olds “often” or “always” feel lonely – three times more than the 65-74 age group, where the figure was just 6 %. Only 14% of 16- to 24-year-olds surveyed said they had never felt lonely.

“The prevalence of loneliness in younger adults can be linked to social media, frequent life changes and transition or moving to cities where people often live alone or in a room in a shared house,” Tracey Robbins, Head of Delivery at programs in the UK at the Eden Project Communities, said.

“Pandemic social restrictions have left a legacy of reduced trust in connecting with others. Now the rising cost of living is limiting social opportunitiesshe continued. “The good news is that feeling part of a community can help, so it’s a brilliant motivator for everyone to reach out and start connecting.”

RELATED: New Study Finds Gen Z ‘Don’t Thrive in Their Lives Compared to Other Generations’

The findings of this research were shared on Reddit, where many young people chimed in with their thoughts.

Gen Zers in the r/GenZ subreddit discussed the accuracy of this statement and theorized the reasons why today’s youth are so lonely.

Many pointed out lack of free public spaces as a potential reason. Others pointed out that most Gen Zers don’t make enough money to have experiences where they meet new people or spend time with the friends they have.

“Social media and the internet is a MASSIVE part of this,” one Reddit user wrote. “People spend tons of time online, and that decreases their chances of making lasting relationships and friendships.”

Dragon Images | Shutterstock

Another added: “Hobbies are expensive. There is no safe place to go to hang out anymore. Or clean. Green spaces are destroyed for parking, housing, etc. and then they end up abandoned”.

LAW: Generation Zer and Millennials have adopted an unlikely place as their gathering place

It seems Gen Zers are unhappier than ever, but it’s not just because of social media.

In the 2024 World Happiness Reportwhich ranks 143 countries in terms of life satisfaction, the US fell eight places — from 15th to 23rd. It is the first time the US has not been ranked among the 20 happiest countries in the report’s 20-year history.

The researchers were able to identify the specific reason why – young people. While Americans over the age of 60 ranked 10th for happiness, those younger than 30 ranked 62nd.

Rates of anxiety and depression in teens “increased by more than 50 percent in many studies from 2010 to 2019.” according to Jonathan Haidtsocial psychologist at NYU and author of the recent bestseller “The Anxious Generation.”

Both Haidt and the researchers argued that technology and social media weren’t the only factors causing this sense of isolation — it was a little more nuanced. Some of these other factors include economic and systemic failures, institutional mistrust, and the growing fear among young people that they are worse off than their parents and grandparents.

Tero Vesalainen | Shutterstock

Many things that Gen Zers, especially those in their 20s, expected to do once they got older are either no longer possible or becoming a distant dream. Things like buying a housetraveling and starting a family doesn’t seem to be in the cards for many. Their financial stability, or lack thereof, affects the very relationships Gen Zers form, both platonic and romantic.

There is a general feeling among Gen Z that their future looks pretty bleak. They don’t trust the government or the people in charge. I am concerned about the health of the planet and loss of their reproductive rights. They grew up afraid of gun violence in schools and every election in which they were old enough to vote included the same candidate.

It’s really no wonder they feel unhappy, lonely and unexcited about the future.

RELATED: Gen Z Woman ‘Grieving’ What She Thought Was Adulthood Gives Great Insight & Advice

Nia Tipton is a Chicago-based entertainment, news and lifestyle writer whose work delves into modern issues and experiences.