In recent years, more Americans are choosing to spend time alone—eating solo, living alone, and traveling by themselves. While this has sparked concerns about a “loneliness epidemic,” psychologists argue that the rise in alone time isn’t all bad.
Yes, chronic loneliness can harm mental and physical health, but intentional solitude—what researchers call “positive solitude”—can be a source of healing and personal growth. People are using alone time to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with themselves, and many say it’s essential to their mental health.
A 2024 national survey even found that 56% of Americans consider alone time crucial for their well-being. Even big-box stores like Costco are selling “solitude sheds”, tapping into the growing demand for quiet spaces.
So why the panic? Culturally, American society tends to favor extraversion and sees solitude as something to fix. News headlines are 10 times more likely to describe being alone negatively. There’s a stigma around wanting space—even though not all solitude is loneliness.
However, screen time and social media can interfere with the benefits of true solitude. Being alone doesn’t mean scrolling through feeds. Real solitude means being present with yourself, not distracted by digital noise.
The takeaway? Solitude is not selfish or sad—it’s healthy. And if we shift how we talk about it—from “isolation” to “me time”—we might just give ourselves permission to enjoy it, guilt-free.
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