Is Social Disconnection Comparable to Smoking? | Julianne Holt-Lunstad | TEDxBYU

Social isolation and loneliness are significant predictors of long-term health outcomes. In this talk, Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad describes the vital importance of social relationships for lasting health. Dr. Holt-Lunstad's research about the impact of social connection on health outcomes has been highly cited, indicating that a lack of social connection is comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day. She describes her research including data from more than 300,000 participants worldwide, and additional supporting evidence. Holt-Lunstad describes the critical importance for organizations, businesses, governments, and individuals to prioritize their social relationships. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD, is a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University and founding scientific chair of the US Foundation for Social Connection.

Dr. Holt-Lunstad’s research is focused on understanding the long-term health effects, biological mechanisms, and effective strategies to mitigate risk and promote protection associated with social connection. Her work has been seminal in the recognition of social isolation and loneliness as risk factors for early mortality. She serves as a scientific advisor and consults regularly for organizations across sectors aimed at addressing this issue. She has provided expert testimony in a US Congressional Hearing, recommendations for a US Surgeon General initiative, served as a member of the UK Loneliness Technical Advisory Group and on a National Academy of Sciences consensus committee. Her work has been widely recognized within her discipline including several awards and regularly highlighted in major media outlets. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx