Abstract
In this research paper, the topic of social isolation as a negative phenomenon was raised. Isolation, which is not equal to hostility, is commonly used by the side that is dissatisfied with communication. Loneliness and social isolation impact behavior and can lead to people acting in ways that aggravate their alienation. It should be noted that social isolation negatively affects the psychological state and physical health, and condition of an individual that lacks communication and activity.
Considering the problem of social isolation among students, it is obligatory to emphasize the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine on the general lifestyle. In this particular case, social isolation is caused by artificial and mandatory measures on the part of state representatives, who, by taking quarantine measures, isolate students and transfer them to distance learning.
Introduction
A person throughout his life is subject to the influence of the environment, society, and people around him. In the absence of a sufficient volume of communication, vital activity, physical activity, and social development, an individual has a risk of being in social isolation. People of all ages, including students and the elderly, have a high probability of getting physical and psychological health problems due to being in prolonged social isolation.
Social Isolation
Social Isolation and Depression
As a consequence of the termination or severe reduction of social connections and interactions, a person or social group is rejected by other people or social groupings, resulting in social isolation. Isolation, which is not equal to hostility, is commonly used by the side that is dissatisfied with communication. Any damaging activities, if they occur, are only designed to discontinue interactions and should be stopped quickly. Individual isolation can be from a particular person (pleasant or unpleasant), a certain group of people (important to him), or the community as a whole (or a bigger part), which is the most extreme scenario.
Isolation (belonging to one group) of a person from another group may be interpreted as isolating certain social groupings from others. Social isolation is possible to be a cause and a symptom of mental or emotional issues. Periods of solitude can be chronic or episodic as a symptom, depending on any cyclical shifts in behavior, particularly in severe depression.
Complete, physical, and formal isolation are three types of social isolation that describe the structure of the process. Complete isolation refers to a condition in which both active and passive modes of communication (cell phone, mail) are fully unavailable. A person’s isolation from the rest of society is the most difficult test he or she may face since there is no possibility to communicate. Physical isolation occurs when a person who lacks the capacity (or desire) to meet in person interacts freely via technological means, such as a cell phone, mail, or the Internet. Telephone and video communication, which are extremely near to direct communication, are favored or disregarded based on the desire for or rejection of human interactions.
The third sort of social isolation is formal (daily) communication, in which the individual is a whole part of the group but has extremely little amount of informal communication and social connections. However, for functional groupings such as work, study, organizations, and strangers, this form of isolation is normal. This sort of separation from the rest of the world occurs when individual moves to an entirely different setting (for instance, a new city, jail, or the army) either temporarily before joining one of the groups or permanently after being rejected by a closed community.
Loneliness and social isolation impact behavior and can lead to people acting in ways that aggravate their alienation. Loneliness and social isolation cause people to distrust others, raise intolerance, and erode social cohesiveness. Each person’s mental health is affected differently by social isolation. An individual may have already struggled with mental health issues that have now been exacerbated, or a person may be experiencing emotional changes as a result of the epidemic and question if this is normal and will pass.
One of the psychological problems, the development of which is influenced by social isolation, is the presence of a depressive state. Depression is characterized by a negative mood and reluctance to act. Depression influences an individual’s opinion, behavior, energy, emotions, and sense of well-being and is categorized clinically as a mental and behavioral condition. According to research and testing, depression has an increased chance of developing in those people who have been exposed to severe social isolation and physical inactivity for a long period of their lives (Santini et al., 2020). An individual, being in social isolation and focusing exclusively on his inner world, has a risk of overestimating difficulties and, as a result, receiving depression.
The Influence of Increased Anxiety
Increased anxiety is another major psychological problem that people suffer from, related to social isolation. Anxiety is a negative emotion marked by an uncomfortable state of inner conflict and subjectively unpleasant emotions of dread about upcoming events. Nervous behavior, such as walking back and forward, panic disorder, and rumination, are frequently present. According to the researchers, an increased level of anxiety and associated mental activity disorders are directly related to the long-term social isolation of a person (Santini et al., 2020). Due to a very limited social circle and the lack of any life activities, a person is subject to strong anxiety, including problems that do not pose great danger.
The Impact of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse can also be viewed as a negative phenomenon directly related to psychological problems that can be caused by social isolation. Substance abuse, often related to drug abuse, is defined as using a substance in quantities or ways that are detrimental to the user or others. In addition to the potential for physical, social, and psychological harm, the use of some substances may result in criminal consequences. Problems of depression and increased anxiety stimulated by social isolation can push a person towards unreasonable and, in some cases, illegal actions (Cantarero-Prieto et al., 2018). Drug addiction is one of the possible final stages of developing a protracted psychological crisis of the personality, which can be triggered by a limited circle of contacts, social problems, and life difficulties.
Effects on the Health of Students and Older Adults
It should be noted that social isolation negatively affects not only the psychological state of a person, but also his physical health and condition. Chronic diseases are more likely to be diagnosed when people are socially isolated (Cantarero-Prieto et al., 2018). Considering the studies, individuals who participate in more social activities have a decreased chance of developing various chronic illnesses (Cantarero-Prieto et al., 2018).
Therefore, the consequences of social isolation lead to mental consequences that directly or indirectly affect the individual’s physical condition. The danger of isolation and the conventional risk connected with lifestyles should be taken into account by the authorities while developing new public policy in medicine (Cantarero-Prieto et al., 2018). Chronic medical conditions make patients feel more stressed because they are aware of their illness and worry about their future recovery. As a result of increased stress levels, a person may develop symptoms directly related to social isolation, specifically depression and anxiety. In addition to the above, in social isolation, a person is limited in movement; respectively, his mobility and physical activity decrease, leading to health problems.
Concerning specific physical illnesses and health problems, it is possible to state that social isolation is a reason for chronic conditions, for instance, blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Poor social interactions and lack of communication, defined by social isolation or loneliness, are linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke (Goldberg et al., 2021). All of the above diseases and ailments are directly related to the lifestyle that the individual leads.
Social isolation leads to a sharp restriction in terms of general physical activity and vital activity. Since this isolation also implies the presence of such psychological problems as depression and anxiety, in addition to the low level of mobility, there is an increased level of stress. Due to a reduced level of physical activity and an increase in the level of stress, a person potentially overeats, thereby impairing blood circulation, the general human condition, and well-being.
As for the elderly, they are at risk not only with regard to physical health but also within the framework of the issue of dementia. Dementia in older adults is a collection of symptoms that appear when the brain is impaired due to an accident or disease. The symptoms include gradual memory, cognitive, and behavioral deficits that have a detrimental influence on a person’s capacity to function and carry out daily tasks. Aside from memory loss and cognitive processes disturbance, the most typical symptoms are emotional issues, linguistic difficulties, and a lack of drive. The symptoms might be defined as a series of events that occur throughout time.
Emotional and social isolation and loneliness and psychological worry have been linked to dementia and cognitive deterioration (Goldberg et al., 2021). Scientists have shown that both social isolation and restriction of physical and professional activities of daily life lead to an increased risk of dementia in older people (Goldberg et al., 2021). Even though the older generation and retirees are a priori at increased risk of physical illness due to weakened immunity, they are also becoming more vulnerable in the field of psychological health.
Considering the problem of social isolation among students, it is obligatory to emphasize the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine on the general lifestyle. In this particular case, social isolation is caused by artificial and mandatory measures on the part of state representatives, who, by taking quarantine measures, isolate students and transfer them to distance learning. Students, as representatives of the younger generation, to a large extent need correct and versatile communication, which allows them to develop mentally. Social isolation for people of this age category is associated with developmental delays since all life activities are reduced to an exclusively home environment without leaving the comfort zone.
Conclusion
To summarize, due to the termination or severe reduction of social connections and interactions, a person or social group is rejected by other people or social groupings, resulting in social isolation. When a person is socially isolated and focuses only on his inner world, he runs the danger of exaggerating troubles and, as a result, developing depression. Due to a small social circle and a lack of living activities, a person might experience severe anxiety, even regarding things that aren’t life threatening. In the case of certain physical ailments and health issues, social isolation might be linked to chronic disorders such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Since all daily activities are confined to an exclusively home setting without leaving the comfort zone, social isolation is linked to developmental delays among students.
References
Cantarero-Prieto, D., Pascual-Sáez, M., & Blázquez-Fernández, C. (2018). Social isolation and multiple chronic diseases after age 50: A European macro-regional analysis. PloS one, 13(10). Web.
Goldberg, T. E., Choi, J., Lee, S., Gurland, B., & Devanand, D. P. (2021). Effects of restriction of activities and social isolation on risk of dementia in the community. International Psychogeriatrics, 1–9. Web.
Santini, Z. I., Jose, P. E., Cornwell, E. Y., Koyanagi, A., Nielsen, L., Hinrichsen, C., Meilstrup, C., Madsen, K. R., & Koushede, V. (2020). Social disconnectedness, perceived isolation, and symptoms of depression and anxiety among older Americans (NSHAP): A longitudinal mediation analysis. The Lancet Public Health, 5(1), 62-70. Web.