%0 Journal Article
%T Loneliness in Adolescents: A Flash Survey through Smartphones
%A Diego de Leo
%A Manuela Berardinelli
%A Osvaldo Scarpino
%A Marco Trabucchi
%J Open Journal of Medical Psychology
%P 45-52
%@ 2165-9389
%D 2019
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/ojmp.2019.83004
%X Background: Loneliness has recently jumped to scholarsĄ¯ attention due to a number of longitudinal studiesĄ¯ results, impacting on health and quality of life of individuals, and political activities (such as the appointment of a dedicated ministry in the UK). All of these results have stimulated the need for better knowledge of the phenomenon and their consequences on different gender and age groups. Aim: So far, most of attention has been dedicated to the problem of older adults; however, younger individuals seem to also appear very vulnerable to loneliness. Method: This short communication is meant to open a window on adolescentsĄ¯ feelings of being lonely or socially isolated, and does so through an investigation performed in the context of a conference on the very theme of loneliness. Results: Even at the age group considered in this study (individuals between 14 and 16 years old) loneliness appears to be a frequent problem. The contribution of the Internet and social media to this phenomenon needs to be clarified. Conclusions: Raising awareness on the seriousness of loneliness for an individualĄ¯s health and wellbeing appears today of paramount importance. Actions need to be taken at different levels to counteract the consequences of loneliness.
%K Loneliness
%K Social Isolation
%K Adolescents
%K Flash Survey
%K Smartphone
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=93655