High Time | The Loneliness Economy: Success vs social poverty

Economic growth is essential, but not at the cost of human relationships; when prosperity brings material comfort without connection, we must reassess our priorities

In the mid-1970s, when I began my career in the Indian Administrative Service, the social culture of Chandigarh and Haryana reflected remarkable openness. Homes were separated by low hedges rather than high walls. If a neighbour fell ill, nearby families instinctively stepped in to help.

Chandigarh is celebrated for its planned development, yet modern urban living has increased social isolation.

Today, behind the high-rises of Gurugram and elite bungalows of Chandigarh, that spirit has diminished — replaced by a troubling new phenomenon: the “Loneliness Economy.”

The concept: Trading community for privacy

The Loneliness Economy describes how services once naturally provided by family and community — companionship, emotional support, childcare, and security — are now purchased from the market. In pursuit of privacy and convenience, neighbourhood relationships have largely been replaced by digital interactions.

Having served as deputy commissioner and later in senior positions in Haryana and Chandigarh, I witnessed this shift firsthand. In the 1980s, citizens approached authorities about collective neighbourhood issues rather than just personal concerns. That shared outlook has weakened. We may be wealthier, but we are poorer in human connection.

A planned isolation

Chandigarh is celebrated for its planned development, yet modern urban living has increased social isolation. Older homes featured verandahs where families spent evenings interacting with neighbours. Modern apartments replace these with private balconies offering skyline views rather than neighbourly engagement. Gated communities provide security and exclusivity, but create social distance, leaving residents living side by side without knowing one another.

The cost of modern living

Outsourcing of empathy: When feeling lonely, people now turn to social media, online groups, or paid counselling rather than neighbours. Human connection is becoming a commercialised service instead of a shared social responsibility.

Elderly left behind: Throughout my administrative career, I saw many elderly parents living alone while their children lived far away. Despite healthcare and security, emotional companionship was missing.

Security paradox: Households invest heavily in CCTV and guards, yet the safest neighbourhoods were historically those where neighbours knew and looked after one another. Community vigilance was the strongest security system.

Real-world observations

The Loneliness Economy is visible in everyday urban life. The popularity of co-living spaces among young professionals in Gurugram reflects a desire to recreate the companionship once provided by joint families and close-knit neighbourhoods.

Another concerning trend is “silent bereavement.” Where a neighbourhood death once brought the community together, residents in modern complexes now often remain unaware of such events for days. Urban development has delivered economic opportunities, but weakened traditional social bonds.

For a balanced future

Addressing isolation requires both institutional initiatives and individual effort.

Architectural nudges: Urban planners should design shared spaces like park, libraries and plazas to foster interaction.

The 5-10-5 rule: Know five neighbours by name, help 10 locally without apps, and spend five minutes daily conversing face-to-face.

Reviving RWAs: Resident welfare associations should move beyond maintenance to become platforms for intergenerational social connection.

Administrative outreach: Public authorities should complement digital governance with direct community engagement to build trust.

Conclusion

Economic growth is essential, but not at the cost of human relationships. When prosperity brings material comfort without connection, we must reassess our priorities. Decades in public service showed me that a society’s true strength lies in trust and relationships, not infrastructure.

Simple gifts—a neighbour’s concern, shared conversation, familiar faces — should never become commodities.

krishnamohan718@gmail.com

(The writer, a retired IAS officer, served as home secretary & deputy commissioner of UT)