A nationwide survey led by The University of Manchester and BBC Radio 4 has found that 16-24 year olds experience loneliness more often and more intensely than any other age group.



Over 55,000 people took part in the BBC Loneliness Survey, which explored attitudes and personal experiences of the issue, making it the biggest survey of its kind. It was developed by academics at The University of Manchester, Brunel University London, and the University of Exeter, and supported by a grant from The Wellcome Collection .



40% of the survey's respondents aged 16-24 reported feeling lonely often or very often, while only 29% of people aged 65-74 and 27% of people aged over 75 said the same. Other findings included:



- People who feel lonely have more ‘online only’ Facebook friends

- People said that dating is the least helpful solution suggested by others

- 41% of people think loneliness can sometimes be a positive experience

- Only a third believe that loneliness is about being on your own

The University of Manchester's Professor of Psychology Pamela Qualter, who led the study, says: "The response to the BBC Loneliness Experiment has been significant. People have provided valuable insights into when and how loneliness is experienced, how it relates to age, being alone, caring responsibilities, employability, and discrimination."