SGPM Philosophicum 2026

Loneliness as the Silent Pandemic of the 21st Century

Recently, the annual Philosophicum of the Social, Health & Public Management program once again took place as part of MCI Sustainability Week. This year’s focus was on the topic “Loneliness as the Silent Pandemic of the 21st Century.”

Four experts opened the event with brief statements: Georg Laich, Editor-in-Chief of ORF Tirol, examined the role of traditional and digital media in relation to social isolation. Elisabeth Rathgeb, Director of Caritas of the Diocese of Innsbruck, spoke about loneliness as a social challenge and about support services for those affected.

Christian Haring, former Medical Director of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the State Hospital Hall and former Medical Director of Tirol Kliniken, addressed the psychological and health-related dimensions of loneliness. Lothar Müller, theologian and former Member of the Austrian National Council, contributed social, political, and ethical perspectives to the discussion.

Loneliness emerged as a major psychological and societal burden. It became particularly clear that loneliness is not only an individual experience, but is also linked to structural factors such as poverty, age, social participation, and digital developments. One key focus was the role of media and social media. While traditional media such as ORF can create social connection as a “campfire of the nation,” social media also carries risks: echo chambers, radicalization, and the constant exposure to other people’s lives can intensify feelings of loneliness.

Phenomena such as FOMO – Fear of Missing Out – and FOBO – Fear of Better Options – show how strongly digital communication can influence experiences of belonging, comparison, and uncertainty. At the same time, it was emphasized that social media cannot simply be dismissed or ignored. This makes media literacy, accessible information, and a conscious approach to artificial intelligence all the more important.

The discussion also focused on how loneliness can be addressed. In this context, concrete examples presented by Elisabeth Rathgeb and Caritas were highlighted in particular. In addition, maintaining personal relationships, listening, empathy, personal responsibility, and the willingness to accept help were emphasized as key approaches. At the same time, social and political frameworks are needed to enable participation: from volunteering and buddy systems to volunteer centers and greater support for older adults, for example through safe housing, social contacts, and practical everyday assistance.

The Philosophicum made one thing clear: loneliness must not be taboo. It affects people in different phases and circumstances of life. What matters are social cohesion, trust, belonging, and spaces in which people can encounter one another. As Dr. Dietmar Schennach put it in his closing statement: alone we are strong, together we are stronger.