Champaign Voices

Study Says Loneliness Epidemic Continues; Group Chats Offer Quantity Not Quality

Published: August 13, 2026

Public health voices framed social isolation as a major risk while digital connection multiplied without fixing the ache. What do you think?

“Wave at people. It's free medicine.”
Irene Neer, Porch Wave Enforcement Officer
“Sit with someone. Suffer in person.”
Walt Huffman, Coffee Shop Regular Without AirPods
“We are lonely together on purpose. Fixable.”
Tina Grove, Family Reunion RSVP Manager