Young and Lonely in the Connected World

Available for over a year

When he was a teenager Jason Arday spent hours alone practising snooker shots. His experience of autism meant he relished the focus and solitude of the snooker hall. But he now recognises that this has contributed to his sense of loneliness. This episode looks at his teenage experience of isolating himself from others and asks why the Gen Z generation of 16-24 year olds despite having technology at their fingertips feel more lonely and disconnected than any other age group. With contributions from academic and essayist on loneliness Amelia Worsley, author Noreena Hertz and Jameson and Lucy of the Luddite Club in New York. Producer: Maggie Ayre Presented by Professor Jason Arday of the University of Cambridge