CNA Insider – 30-7-2024

Last November, the World Health Organisation declared loneliness a ‘Global Public Health Concern’. Meanwhile, Gen Zs are emerging as the loneliest generation ever. Filipino youths are the loneliest in Southeast Asia. About 6 in 10 Filipinos say they are lonely, more than double the global average, and much higher than neighbouring countries in ASEAN. For a country known for their friendliness, why do young Filipinos struggle with social alienation? From the stigma around mental health, to the overuse of social media, to poverty, Insight explores why young pinoys feel increasingly alone.

00:00 Introduction

02:58 Philippines, the second loneliest country in the world

05:41 Gen Z struggles with depression and loneliness

07:20 COVID-19’s deep impact

11:29 Loneliness persists after the pandemic

14:26 Is social media making youths feel lonelier?

16:30 Filipinos one of the heaviest social media users in the world

20:08 Growing up without parents makes youths more lonesome

25:01 Content creator shares her struggles with mental health

27:36 How loneliness can turn into bigger health issues

31:13 Social isolation vs emotional isolation

35:50 Why don’t more young Filipinos talk about being lonely?

38:05 A mother’s project to raise mental health awareness

40:28 How is the Philippines addressing loneliness among youths?