Course necessary for young Singaporean adults on effective communication skills.
Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Young Adults in Singapore: A Growing Concern
A recent trend in Singapore has seen an increase in social isolation and loneliness among young adults, aged between 20 and 35. According to various studies, the causes of this phenomenon are multifaceted, including low social confidence, heightened anxiety, and fear of judgment, often exacerbated by the constant presence of social media.
In a survey, over half of the young adults reported feeling anxious about speaking to people in person and preferring online communication. This anxiety extends to everyday situations such as speaking up in meetings or joining group chats, which can trigger feelings of inadequacy and fear of negative judgment.
The avoidance of social interaction is another significant factor. Younger Singaporeans under 40 are 80% more likely than those over 50 to avoid socializing, a behavior that often started or worsened after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Emotional and social challenges related to trauma and limited support, particularly among youth leaving care, also contribute to feelings of isolation.
The effects of social isolation and loneliness are far-reaching. Young adults report feeling socially drained and unmotivated, leading to a decreased willingness to engage in real-world interactions. This, in turn, can lead to increased anxiety and low confidence in social and professional settings, which can impair everyday functioning.
Potential mental health outcomes are also a concern, although detailed health effects specific to young adults were not elaborated in the sources. The anxiety and avoidance behaviors reported imply psychological impacts.
In response to these issues, local social enterprise Friendzone organised the School of Yapping, a four-part workshop aimed at helping young adults grow confidence in everyday conversations and social settings. The workshop, which kicked off in June at a space on Keong Saik Road, costs $120 and focuses on practical conversational skills through role play and group scenarios. Participants also receive a personalised report outlining their strengths and areas for improvement.
The School of Yapping attracts a diverse group of participants, with about a third being students, and around 10% reporting experiencing social anxiety or identifying with neurodivergent traits.
The pandemic has further disrupted young adults' social development, especially those already prone to introversion, social anxiety, or neurodivergent traits. To address this, Friendzone's team conducted research and interviewed young adults to better understand their communication challenges.
One participant, Vishal Bajpe, 27, wanted to build confidence in group settings and to prepare for networking at a quantum computing event in Seoul. Another participant, Faith Tay, 31, had a difficult experience during a Zoom meeting during the Covid-19 pandemic and decided to leave her job to pursue a part-time degree in IT and business.
Friendzone has hosted over 500 events since 2018 to help young adults aged 18 to 40 build friendships and community. In late 2023, Friendzone secured over $50,000 in funding from the National Youth Council to run three courses: Friendship 201, School of Yapping, and Desk Talk.
While the search results provide extensive data on the causes and mental health effects among young adults in Singapore, they do not specifically address long-term physical health consequences or societal impacts for this group, focusing instead on immediate psychological and social well-being indicators.
In summary, social isolation and loneliness among young adults in Singapore arise mainly from anxiety, low confidence in social skills, fear of judgment, and trauma with inadequate support, leading to avoidance of social interaction and social withdrawal, which negatively affect mental health and social functioning. Efforts such as the School of Yapping are crucial in helping young adults navigate these challenges and build the confidence they need to engage in meaningful relationships.
- Despite the growing concern of social isolation and loneliness in young adults, the resources and studies rarely focus on long-term physical health consequences or societal impacts.
- The School of Yapping, a workshop aimed at enhancing conversational skills, attracts participants from diverse backgrounds, including students and those dealing with social anxiety or neurodivergent traits.
- Fear of judgment, often amplified by the constant presence of social media, is a contributing factor to the increase in social isolation and loneliness in Singapore's young adult population.
- Education and self-development, such as IT and business, may provide opportunities for those struggling with social anxiety, as demonstrated by Faith Tay, who left her job to pursue a part-time degree.
- In an international context, events like the one in Seoul for quantum computing could present networking challenges for individuals seeking to build confidence in group settings, like Vishal Bajpe.
- The once-popular area of fashion and beauty may find increased interest among socially isolated young adults, as it can provide a form of self-expression and potentially forge connections in online communities.
- In the realm of health and wellness, mental health outcomes are a significant concern linked to social isolation and loneliness, with anxiety and avoidance behaviors potentially leading to psychological impacts.
