The pandemic has shown that many people experience extreme loneliness despite having access to online support networks and virtual events. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Luke Fernandez and Dr. Susan Matt to understand emotional and social fulfillment, and what it means in the digital age.

Gen Yers may be known for their social media savviness, but this online connectivity isn't mitigating loneliness, with more than one in five feeling as if they have no friends. As more and more aspects of life go digital, young people are looking for ways to connect on a deeper, more human level.

With the long-term impact of lockdown yet to be fully felt, there are signs of what the ‘new normal’ looks like. Take Replika, the AI chatbot helping Gen Zers to feel less lonely. As tech fulfils a multitude of needs for young people, a chatbot may be the next frontier in friendship.

The epidemic of loneliness is seeping into relationships – evident in the way that some people are 'quiet quitting' their relationships rather than breaking up with their partners. While people increasingly value emotional intelligence, developing that skill set requires guidance and support.