The “Loneliness Economy”

Some surveys show that around 60% of people in the U.S. report feeling lonely on a pretty regular basis.

Loneliness costs the U.S. economy an estimated $406 billion annually due to lost productivity at work and increased spending on physical and mental healthcare. Deemed the “loneliness economy,” an expanding number of businesses are selling the promise of ending loneliness through commercialized connections.

While there are businesses that aim to provide legitimate connections, like Papa, which provides companionship for older adults and families, there are many others that are looking to turn a quick profit:

• Rent-a-girlfriend services have quickly gained traction in places like Japan

• Various rent-a-friend apps are paying out hundreds of dollars to some people

• Cuddlist, a professional cuddling service, is now available in almost every state

AI could exacerbate the problem as businesses look to replace in-person relationships with human-like robot relationships. Lexi Love, an AI girlfriend made by the company Foxy AI, makes $30,000/month and has received 20 marriage proposals.

In a world where loneliness is both a personal and economic burden, the rise of commercialized connections begs the question: are we seeking solace or just substitutes?

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