At Brane, we’ve closely followed the recently released 81-page advisory report by America’s Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, on the growing epidemic of loneliness and social isolation. This concern isn’t just about feeling alone — it’s about the tangible, detrimental effects this isolation can have on our physical and mental health. Studies show that chronic loneliness can be as damaging as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, leading to higher risks of heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression, and dementia.
While we’re seeing a slight decrease in reported loneliness from the peak of the pandemic, this disconnection trend began long before COVID-19. In fact, the average time spent alone increased by 12 hours a month from 2003 to 2019. A 2019 study from Cigna reported that 61% of Americans reported feeling lonely, up from 54% in 2018. Furthermore, a 2020 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) identified social isolation and loneliness as “serious public health risks”, affecting a broad range of physical and mental health outcomes.
The need for connection is so palpable that Google data shows an enormous increase in searches for phrases like “where to make friends”, “how to meet people”, and “make friends near me”. This demand for social connection is exactly why Brane was created.
At Brane, we’re working to combat this loneliness epidemic by enhancing our “social infrastructure”. We’re offering a platform where people can easily connect over shared interests, whether they’re in their local community or halfway across the world.
Are you looking for a place to connect with like-minded individuals? Whether you want to find a local sports team, meet fellow book lovers, or simply make new friends, Brane is here to help. We’re more than just an app; we’re a community of people that share your interests. Your people.
Join us in combating the loneliness epidemic. Install Brane today and start making meaningful connections. We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences as we work together to create a more connected world. Let’s not just chart this epidemic; let’s change it… Together.
