HUMANS ARE SOCIAL
UCLA neuroscientist and professor Matthew Lieberman writes that "a growing body of research shows that the need to connect socially with others is as basic as our need for food, water and shelter. Being socially connected is our brain's lifelong passion."
Feelings of loneliness are akin to thirst and hunger; it is the body's drive for meaningful social engagement. Interestingly enough, research had found that friendships are even more important than family in alleviating loneliness. This may be due, in part, on the need for social acceptance outside the family, generational differences in cultural norms and interests, and the feelings of responsibilities that are inherent within families.
A big problem with loneliness is that it can become a vicious cycle. The more lonely a person feels, the less self esteem they have, which prevents them from reaching out to find the friendships that would alleviate their loneliness.
ONLINE SOCIALZING CAN HELP
DaysAtDunrovin.com has found that true meaningful friendships can happen online. The factors of place, intent, and time are the keys to alleviating loneliness through internet connections. Gathering people in a place of mutual interest where they can spent time together participating in programs intended to facilitate meaningful social engagement can form the bonds of friendship that alleviate loneliness.
Live stream programming using web cameras can offer online programming specifically designed to connect and binds people with a place where they meet with others with who they can spend time socializing and sharing real experiences in real time which create a sense of immediacy and togetherness - which are the very seeds of friendships.
DaysAtDunrovin.com is a subscription based, content driven, and member focused website that serves as a cyber front porch to Dunrovin Ranch where people can gather to socialize. Friends of Dunrovin is collaborating with DaysAtDunrovin.com to sponsor Monday Socials at Dunrovin Ranch that open the cyber front porch to the general public all day every Monday to provide socializing opportunities that can help address the loneliness that has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
