The loneliness myth gets flipped

In France, 37% of under-25s report regular loneliness versus only 16% of those aged 60 to 69. Young city dwellers, not isolated seniors, now feel the most alone.

“37 % des moins de 25 ans déclarent se sentir seuls régulièrement en 2025, contre seulement 16 % des 60-69 ans.”

Youth loneliness surging fast

Young people's loneliness jumped 12 points in nine years (from 25% in 2016 to 37% in 2025), rising two and a half times faster than the national average of 5 points.

Cities breed loneliness more than countryside

The loneliness gap between big cities and rural areas has more than tripled in six years. Today 28% of city dwellers feel lonely versus 21% in rural zones, despite countryside residents being objectively more isolated.

“28 % des habitants des grandes villes disent se sentir seuls, contre 21 % en zone rurale”

Loneliness and isolation are different things

The Fondation de France distinguishes two concepts: isolation is measurable (few real relationships), while loneliness is a feeling of dissatisfaction that doesn't always match reality. You can be surrounded by people and feel profoundly alone.

“une personne peut multiplier les contacts au quotidien et se sentir malgré tout profondément seule”

Digital connections don't satisfy

Online interactions, no matter how frequent, create weak ties that are more distant and less nourishing than face-to-face contact. Young urbanites can be constantly connected yet feel close to nobody.

“on peut être connecté à tout le monde et proche de personne”