Capitalism and Loneliness: What The Media Get WRONG

Scaremongers tell us: capitalism makes us "feel lonely" and "empty inside."
But Johan Norberg’s new book, The Capitalist Manifesto, points out the many ways capitalism makes life better, including making people LESS lonely.
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"Every poll we're looking at shows that people say that they’re less lonely in the most market-oriented societies,” Norberg tells me.
The Human Freedom Index ranks countries according to how free, and market-oriented they are. Not only are people less lonely in capitalist countries, but Norberg points out that "if you increase freedom by one point, you reduce loneliness levels by six percentage points.”
But I tell Norberg, "Under capitalism, people compete. Sounds divisive. Sounds like it would pull us apart.”
"Feudalism, communism, fascism... that’s divisive. That’s all based on getting resources by taking them from somebody else. What capitalism does is that it forces us to think, 'what does the other guy want?'” says Norberg.
That’s because, under capitalism, to sell someone something, you have to please them.
The full video above has more information about how capitalism makes our lives better.

[@DetectiveThursday]

Capitalism is not the cause of loneliness, but socialism will make you wish you were left alone.

[@Navy35]

The feminist hatred towards men makes it harder to be with them. That’s why there is such a rise in passport bros

[@SepticFuddy]

I think that explains the results more than anything. The more your social interactions are due to obligation rather than volunteering, the more tangible social pressure you experience, the more you feel alone in a crowd with less genuine connection. 1984 seemed to capture that brilliantly. The loneliness in the west has nothing to do with capitalism and everything to do with the abandonment of physically-present interaction, as well as the dissolution of family values.

[@eskuriad]

Did you catch the list of countries on market freedom? Where was the US? All the countries at the top also have a lot of social equity programs.

[@ShawnPatton-rm2hv]

@@Navy35 sounds like you might be or know lonely men/people.

[@WoodRabbitTaoist]

​@@eskuriadshush! You're telling them things they don't want to hear and that don't line up with their confirmation bias. They might have to rethink their position if they were to question their own beliefs.

[@SpookyTanukiGaming]

I do think loneliness is on the rise but it isn’t capitalism to blame. It’s the rise of identity politics, social media, and radical feminism.

[@schnek8927]

Feminism* Stop calling it ”radical feminism”, as if there’s a difference. It was radical, and more importantly evil, from the very start. It’s female supremacy and female greed, always has been.

[@CJM6]

The lack of commonality, or at least the veneer of it, in my opinion is intentional, makes just enough division to cause the fear that it instills.

[@VIKDR1]

This is true, and it should be pointed out that all of that are tools of the socialists and communists in an attempt to push their agendas. And yes we can know the connections. They can be traced back.

[@mpowe123]

I think it stems from the rise in smartphones / cell phones and apps. Cell phones were meant to keep us talking and connected at work and home, to keep us in touch with people we know, we admire, we trust, and we love; those who we have full physical engagement with. Smartphones takes that away as it connects individuals to the broad world through apps and internet communities. The problem there is that you may communicate in a conversation with people (unless its a bot or AI), but you will not engage with the vast majority - as this requires body language and repeat physical contact. You may find and meet people with similar interests like video games, but you don't have the physical engagements. Now with newer video technology, being able to see body language may help with this but there will be always a lack of physical touch. As we depend on these tools more and more, we are starving ourselves of that physical need. As we are deprived of that need, we become more isolated and loneliness grows from that isolation.

[@FairPlayGaming]

I would argue that loneliness is a byproduct of the modern way we're living. In many cases, people live in apartments like ants, and they don't even know their neighbors. These living conditions make it harder to connect with others and find a significant other to settle down with, which is more than likely a contributing factor to the low birth rates across the developed world.

[@tjedwards4254]

People are lonely. It's not an abundance of stuff. It's a breakdown of religion and relationships.

[@neatnateable]

I agree.

[@justsomeguy6336]

Blame feminism.

[@Jamesbradley001]

All of the above. People try to fill that void with material possessions and when that doesn’t work they feel worse

[@TwoWolves]

Smart phones and social media do not bring us closer together. They do just the opposite but sell us the illusion that they somehow bring us closer together. It's smoke and mirrors. It removes accountability as people will say things they would NEVER say to someone's face. Anonymity allows people to get away with things they would never get away with in public. Ever go into a break room or cafeteria and see almost everyone using their smartphones... but not talking to the person sitting right next to them? I see it all the time and I can understand someone feeling alone among a bunch of people.

[@justsomerandomgirl]

Yes!!!!

[@marcushoward6560]

I'm definitely not lonely, but I absolutely thank capitalism for letting me have more time free from being around other people.

[@gregsmith7949]

Truth 👍👍👍

[@tuckerbugeater]

You can ignore the world but it will come back at you.

[@TheVeganVicar]

Do you use any of the following (rather euphemistic) terms? • gay • homophobia/homophobe • transphobia/transphobe • trans-sexual • transgender • cis gender • sex worker • African-American • capitalism/capitalist • any gender-specific pronoun other than he/she, him/her or his/her Then CONGRATULATIONS - you are (either knowingly or unwittingly) a silly stooge for the loony left!

[@zestybutterfly7161]

Living alone seems to be a luxury that many people go out of their way to afford.

[@marcushoward6560]

The peace and happiness is worth the effort. I could live on less and live in an apartment building or have a bunch of "roommates", but I genuinely would be so miserable and grow to be filled with so much hatred and rage, I'd probably lose the facade of civilization pretty quickly. @@zestybutterfly7161

[@gooddognigel9992]

Capitalism and Freedom is a must read by the brilliant Milton Friedman

[@edsel762]

Give Biden one of Friedman's books. Perhaps he could learn something.

[@andolink]

@@edsel762 He'd be hopelessly lost after the first paragraph.

[@teacherrussell5206]

This is true of many polititicians. Fact is, many of them are just bullshitting. They know. They just don't want the average person to know. They just want votes.@@edsel762

[@milkygodric539]

Better to read Mises socialism, Hoppe Democracy the god that failed, Rothbard anatomy of the state

[@bigg4454]

@@andolink You're very nice. I wouldn't give him the first sentence. Thumbs (#4) up for you anyway!

[@ReadTheShrill]

How the hell can Ireland be #5 on the Human Freedom Index? Right NOW they are discussing a proposed law that would literally make criticizing the government a criminal offense.

[@RM-jb2bv]

All those numbers are BS

[@richardfarrar1801]

Human Socialist Index seems more appropriate.

[@Cerus98]

Because true freedoms are just a fraction of the data…. if calculated at all. They consider a “living wage”, abortion rights, gender BS, “free” healthcare etc to be measurements of freedom.

[@Monsuco]

Ireland has a low tax burden (by EU standards) and a light regulatory burden. They're generally one of the freest markets in Europe. They just lack free speech.

[@gps9715]

@@Monsuco It's also insanely expensive to live there, real estate is outrageous. Free markets with real competition create lower prices not higher prices. As another commenter said, those rankings are complete BS. And that's saying it nicely. Ireland has attracted corporations with no customers, it's a government scheme to get more taxes, nothing to do with free markets or freedom. All "science", "data", "rankings", "numbers" are lies an fabrications manipulated to make themselves look good. The only free market economy today is the black market, and of course, because governments won't allow that particular market to operate, it's efficiency is harmed by needing to be underground. Tyranny everywhere, America's light was extinguished long ago, there is no hope.

[@rahn45]

I imagine what causes loneliness is the shift from families being 4 grandparents, 2 parents, a bunch of siblings, a whole mess of aunts/uncles/cousins (and all of the friends they have) down to a single mother with a single child.

[@blessedwithchallenges9917]

That is a much bigger reality than "capitalism".

[@izdatsumcp]

People aren't any lonelier. Did you even watch the video? Being surrounded by a bunch of people doesn't mean you're not lonely. Take the Tube everyday and you can still feel alone.

[@Navy35]

Feminist ( liberals) have destroyed everything they get involved with.

[@justsomeguy6336]

Because women vote

[@stevenscott2136]

​@@izdatsumcp People IN GENERAL aren't any more lonely, but the "squeaky wheels" of our society (single mothers, college students, urban-dwelling career women) ARE more lonely. Due to their own foolish choices, sure, but they still complain, and journalists still listen.

[@falcon5467]

If there is a rise in loneliness then that is a symptom of an increasingly dysfunctional society. One only has to watch the evening news to witness how out of control our urban areas have become. It is a loneliness growing out of anxiety, fear of interaction with other people that might easily erupt into an angry and violent confrontation.

[@tann_man]

John omits: the US is LESS free than it was and we have seen loneliness rise

[@einsam_aber_frei]

Exactly. When ideology becomes empirical, people shut down discussion. People feel lonely because they feel like no one wants to listen or engage in meaningful discussion.

[@kaoskronostyche9939]

I am an isolated senior. Very isolated. The only adult conversation I get is from store clerks or my doctor. I am alone - terribly alone - but I am not lonely. Rather, without any Meaningful Social Engagement I am rapidly descending into Premature Cognitive Impairment (I have and am being measured). My doctor watches me decline in front of his eyes yet there is nothing available, no interactive mechanisms, to prevent my continued deterioration. It has nothing to do with Capitalism; it is that our values have changed to the point we hardly value each other. Society makes it clear, anyone who is retired as worthless. My government reinforces that with the offer of Free Murder by the State to pretty much anyone who asks. When I retired I disappeared from the Social Landscape.

[@mackenzie305]

I agree with you that the values of our society don't prioritize connectedness anymore. I just wish that there was something we could do about it

[@janeclayton151]

are you able to reach out to a Seniors club, Volunteer group, social group (cards, chess, games), exercise group, book club, Faith group?? I have all of those and my social interactions and connectivity I feel is strong. I watched my grandfather do this when I was younger and he lived to be 96, (died of a sudden heart attack). His days were full and meaningful and he had many strong connections and relationships and stayed active till the end. I decided to follow his lead. Best to you hope you get your connections back very soon.

[@kaoskronostyche9939]

@@janeclayton151 If you haven't noticed, men and women live in two different worlds. All those things you mentioned are available, in the limited manner of small towns, however they are ALL set up to meet the needs of women. There is NOTHING for a man to do with other men except for lawn bowling and I'm not interested. Everything in my town is run by women and they are horrible. I live in a "retirement" building which is about 70% women and what a horrible bunch of angry, malicious infants. The only thing they have to do all day is squabble and stab each other in the back. There is NO WAY I am going out into the world to be abused by women when I can get it just by walking down the hall of my building. Even the second hand store female workers will shout out insults when a man walks in the door. So thanks for reaching out and those are all viable and good suggestions ... for a woman. Cheers!

[@3644Darrell]

You have to force yourself to join groups. They are out there. It will feel awkward at first, but don't just sit home and rot away

[@star_duck]

Its a good day when stossel posts a video

[@wayneslater1543]

Capitalism does not distance us from nature,it gives us the means to travel and see more of it.

[@tuckerbugeater]

Only because you're wealthy.

[@yousnoozeyouloze]

Sadly, corporatism does not.

[@Watch-0w1]

And pollute it as well.

[@deleteme3709]

Which is impossible without Capitalism@@tuckerbugeater

[@aleedersart]

It also teaches we MUST save up, in order to enjoy nature, next month. And we MUST plan and schedule our nature, for a reasonable time... not effecting our INCOMES. IDK if capitalism 'allows' more connectivity to things here. Or if it's literally a self positioned middle man to YOUR enjoyments. I debate this constantly. Example: I'm jobless, low income, no savings...and it's HOW I am able to lay here on the beach You are well off, and MAYBE you can try real hard scheduling saving, booking, juggling...and, some day (but only temporarily) you could be laying with me here. You definitely have access to more debt and more trinkets than I, I'm broke so, all I have is freedom here.

[@tpoz48]

A friend once told me she was alone but not lonely. After explaining this statement to me, she had made a valid point. Most of all, she was happy.

[@NVArt001]

Same for me. I have all I can handle of people at work. I don't want more when I'm not working.

[@neilreynolds3858]

"Hell is other people."

[@jacobtaylor7506]

.....what was the valid point? Cause I am reading yours and another person's comment makes no sense.

[@Marty234]

​@jacobtaylor7506 the valid point was that she was alone but not lonely. It sounds like he originally pushed back and didn't believe her but she explained her statement and he came to understand what she was saying and accepted it as true (ie valid)

[@jacobtaylor7506]

@@Marty234 but what was the valid point. Just to make that statement without context sounds like it's made up. Lonely, but not Lonely and she was right....well what was it that made it valid?

[@jimbo9305]

If socialism is the cure for loneliness, I'll keep the disease.

[@explorenaked]

It really is simple logic. People that live alone will seek out other people to be around. People who are constantly surrounded by others will seek out isolation.

[@cantbeseriousfr]

​@@explorenakedWrong, sorry. I live an exclusive life outside of the cities, work for a small company, usually only with one other person. No wife, no kids. Minimal human contact. No reason. I just do. 😊

[@jamesandrew1117]

Voices of truth seem to be rarer today. Thank you for being one of them.

[@RegularCupOfJoe]

John, you lift my spirits with your journalism.

[@davepaturno4290]

The book "Bowling alone" is not so much about an increase of loneliness, but rather about the ever-increasing isolation and fewer in-person attendees at social events.

[@AndyFromm]

I enjoy being alone

[@GrnXnham]

They aren't talking about being alone. They are talking about being lonely. Two different things.

[@AndyFromm]

@@GrnXnham I am alone and I'm not lonely... is that better?😒

[@anvil8478]

Collectivism/Socialism forces people together who otherwise would not associate. Individualism/Capitalism allows for people to freely associate based on common interests. So how/why would one be more lonely under Capitalism?

[@CJM6]

One relies on force, the other on merit. I know of no one, who is forced to be happy.

[@me-myself-i787]

Forcing people to interact with each other can reduce loneliness. But more often, the bad outweighs the good.

[@bearowen5480]

As always, John, you do us a great service by pointing out the factual truth rather than patronizing us with emotional mush. Good on you for exposing reality.

[@babajaiy8246]

But he's not presenting factual truth on this topic. The questions and conclusions are still of a subjective nature. If one dives in on the questions asked, how they were asked and whom they were asked - You could easily come out to a very different conclusion. He's basing is view on his own assumptions like, 'it was a stigma to admit one is lonely' - Well where is the evidence for that? In one hand he's dismissing what people are saying in modern times implying it's just anecdotal, yet his assumptions of the past are not. So where is the actual data and the actual questioning that is the same for today compared to what it was in the past? There is none - because the same study wasn't done in the past to have an good comparison. He's simply giving his own opinion, that's it.

[@PsychoSpartan7]

@@babajaiy8246 They showed the data, you just didn't like it, and he didn't dismiss anything. Literally just showed facts.

[@brianbagnall3029]

This is brainwashing. They throw these thoughts out there in the headlines and hope it catches on like a contagion.

[@CJM6]

​@@babajaiy8246What do you use as data for the subjective nature?

[@babajaiy8246]

@@PsychoSpartan7 "They showed the data," Where is this data? "Literally just showed facts." Where are these facts and where are the methods that demonstrate how the conclusions came to be?

[@darthhodges]

I heard of a variation on the experiment that focused instead on whether certain kinds of people would accept different portions of the total. When being offered a portion of $100 people who were poor would refuse unless they were offered at least half. People who were wealthy would accept as little as a dollar. The researchers' conclusion was that the poor people were insisting on fairness. If they couldn't have what they believed was a fair share they would rather everyone got nothing. Meanwhile rich people didn't care how much the other guy got, a $1 gain was better than no gain. Plus the other guy having money is someone to make deals with, they have something to trade.

[@rahn45]

Essentially the difference between entitlement and gratitude.

[@neilreynolds3858]

Insisting on fairness sounds like a great way to make yourself poor and unhappy. No wonder we're teaching people they should act like that.

[@debanydoombringer1385]

I don’t think it’s “fairness”. It’s pride. They don’t want to be seen as taking more to someone else. They don’t want to feel like they owe that person or are being looked at as less. Edit: If it was somehow completely anonymous or being viewed as coming from an organization or government rather than an individual, you’d see a completely different outcome. Mainly because it’s more about social pressure than really money.

[@rogierb5945]

To be strong for others, you need to be strong yourself. Capitalism empowers the individual making it easier for that individual to help others. Socialism weakens the individual, making that individual less capable of helping others.

[@davidamaral2577]

both fail due to corruption... if you think we actually have a free market capitalistic system.. give me some of what you're smoking then... would love to hear what he has to say about how people aren't lonely but "withdrawn" given how the usual suspects continue to corrupt and get away with it.. queue up 2008 crisis...

[@kynhammer153]

Say that to every factory worker in China or farmer in Africa. Capitalism is not this magical fairy dust that fixes all problems. You need to allow trade and barter but it must be kept in a fine balance between the people, the business owners and the government.

[@MatthewSmith-cp3hu]

@kynhammer153 😊 everyone of them would jump at the chance to move to a capitalist country

[@kynhammer153]

​@@MatthewSmith-cp3hufor the welfare and benefits maybe

[@Ghost-fe1vp]

Thats the socialist parts of our society.@@kynhammer153

[@EndoftheBlock7224]

I crave solitude. I love good family and friends but prefer to be alone most of the time and every now and again meet them and am glad to leave them when it's over.

[@schnek8927]

Same. I don’t hate them or anything, i even enjoy spending some time with them now and then (and i love in-depth discussions), but i am ultimately an introvert (which is not the same as being socially awkward), and prefer being alone.

[@seandelap8587]

They don't like the open market unless they're the ones that are benefiting from it

[@neilreynolds3858]

They don't like the market because they can't control it. The essence of socialism is controlling people.

[@Iamyourboo2]

The problem with it starts with a big business that slaps up a website with a customer service jungle that no one can get through and so there is zero interaction with the actual customer. They think of customers as cattle at that point instead of ever considering their views. But that's also why you need free markets, so those giant companies actually have to deal with competition that can challenge their market share when they turn against the customers like that.

[@Timetravelingsoldiee]

Loneliness is not caused by Capitalism

[@wendelleddiebrewerlll]

Yes it is

[@SurLaMer_]

​@@wendelleddiebrewerlll No it isn't

[@stevenmintz1]

​@@wendelleddiebrewerlll how and why?

[@CheckmateSurvivor]

The easiest way to become a "Conspiracy Theorist" is to begin investigating the FLAT EARTH. Please follow me for more conspiracy facts.

[@thegunsngloryshow]

How so? @@wendelleddiebrewerlll

[@Razm-a-Tazzi]

“Socialism in general has a record of failure so blatant that only an intellectual could ignore or evade it.” ― Thomas Sowell “The fact that the market is not doing what we wish it would do is no reason to automatically assume that the government would do better.” ― Thomas Sowell

[@bgg5090]

I love being able to turn to an information source that I trust. Thank you, John.

[@Weezy1975]

It’s so funny as a preteen and teenager I disliked him on 20/20. Now as I am heading towards 50, I love him. I truly trust him so much for the truth. So glad he keeps doing these segments.

[@verbena208]

There is a problem with loneliness among some people in the US but I don't think you can blame it on our economic system. Most of the loneliness I've seen stems from a division between the sexes and a lack of places where people can meet and make friends.

[@troyestraca5717]

the internet caused and holds those problems on a pedestal we made friends everyone had to make time for a "career" and the economy is doing "great" of course

[@babajaiy8246]

We could 'blame' it on our economic system. Because it's basically the same system that was employed in the past too. Although one can easily point out improvements to life because of that 'system' which would be true - As a whole though, it's a system that suppresses people to put it mildly; And it's been doing that for such a long time, people think it's normal and ok. Just think as one example - the implication of charging 'interest'. We all accept that as normal and good. And again, it's been around for so long, people have lost the capacity to think how it could be any different or even better, that's how ingrained the system is.

[@Cdaragorn]

@@babajaiy8246 You prove your fallacies in your own argument. The minute you decide that those that disagree with you must just not be capable of conscious thought of anything else despite all the examples that continue to exist in other countries you've lost your case by proving your own unwillingness to consider that you might be the one in the wrong. You've decided that since you can't address their arguments you will simply dismiss them from the discussion. That's ad hominem and only demonstrates the weakness of your own arguments. Capitalism does not suppress people. Life does. Capitalism is the only system currently employed anywhere on Earth that offers any opportunity to get out of that suppression. It is the only system that has consistently improved the life of everyone everywhere. Yes there are still problems and we should work to help those in hard situations. But blaming capitalism for it is just absurd. The poorest of the poor today are in many ways richer than the richest of the rich were 100 years ago largely because of capitalism.

[@brianbagnall3029]

People have always had periods of loneliness throughout the entire journey of history. Especially in old age, when your friends are dying off left and right.

[@CJM6]

Covid didn't help. Fear isn't the only thing that keeps people isolated, an inability to be diplomatic amongst peers, to foster commitment, seems to be overrun with selfish, narcassistic behavior. Lots of "gimmes" no "givees".

[@ruschev2]

Thank you Plandemic for increasing loneliness and separation

[@racerx4152]

nonsense.

[@burly20261]

Truth

[@thegunsngloryshow]

No, he's right.@@racerx4152

[@WPSent]

Yeah, I lost friends due to Covid. I haven't lost friends due to capitalism.

[@PurpleHazeVanNederlands]

The lockdowns caused partially caused these issues and covid certainly came from a lab, but all available evidence point to an accident. China murdered the scientist who was patient zero.

[@hejiranyc]

I am in my 50s, single, childless, never married and have no friends. I have ZERO feelings of loneliness. Over the years, I have come to realize that I am completely unlikeable and that's fine with me. Once you accept that and move past it, you can go on to enjoying all of the other things that life (in a prosperous, free, capitalist society) offers.

[@johnstoica2266]

This is the result of poor family life, no good education at home and school leading to less contact between people and poor or no social contact. The aggressiveness of people contributing as well.

[@TheFoolintherainn]

I like ya!

[@pkendlers]

Loneliness has more to do with the condition of the soul than Capitalism, Communism, or anything else

[@1VaDude]

Sometimes, being alone and getting away from crowds of people is a welcome relief. The more people I encounter, the more I like hanging out with our cats. ❤😀

[@psychochicken9535]

Don't pursue money, leave that to us! You will own nothing, and be happy!

[@kynhammer153]

The whole system needs to reset the current system is too individualistic and the elites want it that way . So that we are alone, divided and not together as a community. Still you have to play the game even if it is nonsense and rigged.

[@CJM6]

As they feverishly rub their greedy hands together, dreaming of the monthly charge everyone pays them, the very few, for necessity an individual would aspire for themselves to have owned. What a racket, and the many confused, who fall for it... every time...

[@CJM6]

​@@kynhammer153Community, is only as good, if it isn't abound by lazy, psychopathic, delusional thiefs.

[@michaelkrull3331]

Und you vill live in ze pods und eat ze bugs.

[@legitgopnik8431]

I feel lonely because I can't open up with people without fear of being ostracized for my politics

[@ubiquitousdiabolus]

In capitalist societies, people compete by creating better products and services. In socialist/communist societies, people compete by committing acts of war or crimes against humanity.

[@chaosgyro]

The people don't, but the dictators do. No, the people are too busy being wary of their neighbors, fearing being reported for a crime, to put much thought into the agendas of their rulers.

[@CJM6]

Suspicion, envy and delusional expectations, ruin intimate relationships. We're living in real time, a majority of politicians, professors, higher ups in the medical field/profiteers all fermenting those behaviors, to keep and wield power and control.

[@neilreynolds3858]

The we must all be living in socialist countries. The idea that liberal democracies don't start wars is not true.

[@ShawnPatton-rm2hv]

What other countries had slavery in their homeland and had a civil war to maintain or expand slavery? Was slavery desired for socialism or capitalism gain/reason?

[@sweydert]

​@@ShawnPatton-rm2hv ​Virtually ​​all countries had slavery. What could you possibly be talking about? Many still do. There are far more slaves today than in the 1800s. The Civil was fought precisely to end slavery as any military officer at the time would (and some have in interviews) acknowledge as common sense. Slavery is indifferent to economic models. Capitalism is simply what all people engage in by default if left alone to exchange goods and services in an open market. That's why it creates such enormous wealth (I've started multiple businesses and became financially independent in my 40s despite growing up poor and rural). Acquire skills others are willing to pay you for. The possibilities are endless. This is not complex.

[@williamf9023]

Working from home certainly makes me feel isolated. Yes I can go into an office without an assigned space and sit around a few people that I do not know, most of whom have no work commonalities with me. Not that I was a socialite at the office pre-covid but I did not realize how much I enjoyed just working around people within the same job type.

[@legendre007]

Hearing all of the mainstream wailing against free-market economics made me feel lonely, because it meant that even when around whole crowds of people, I was alone _psychologically_ . I am grateful to Johan Norberg. With someone talking sense like him, I feel much less lonely. ❤

[@sinkingputts]

Every time I talk with a capitalist hater I ask if they have ever owned a business and they all say no.

[@sebastiaanstok]

The media is confusing Capitalism with Consumerism, Consumerism is the idea of always wanting more (including social media content) and the latest and greatest out of the fear of missing out. This creates stress and mental burnout as it's impossible to have it all and not pay some high price. The idea of not being good enough, and not [fill-in the blank] enough drives people to external validation rather than being genuine they loos the connection with themselves, always pretending. -- How can you ever love someone if you can't even love yourself? Also, Mell Robbins ? Really, her "The 5 seconds Rule" is worse than The Secret, about 40 pages of marketing and 1 page of actual explanation which is based on the placebo effect. Can't blame her though, people will cling-on to any easy fix rather than putting there lives in order and accept that life is ultimately continuing challenge. And people will gleefully give-in to Consumerism, just the latest fix that promises the solution.

[@excalibro8365]

Capitalism goes hand in hand with consumerism, in fact capitalism needs consumerism to grow. Apple wouldn't be the capitalist giant it is now if not for their calculated efforts to convince people that they need to upgrade to the latest and greatest model every single year despite little to no improvements on their products and charging more for less. Similar thing with Amazon, Alphabet, Meta or any company you can think of on top on your head.

[@3namechangezalowdevry90day7]

Consider the average loser with a severe allergy to grass. Capitalism promises guys like him that buying a car/watch/ men's cologne will get him a female companion. When it fails, he doesn't blame consumerism for conning him, he blames "gold diggers" ( which he was trying to attract) or feminism.

[@silverjohn6037]

An "epidemic of headlines". That sums up so many issues we have in the world.

[@_APG_]

I really like the double thank-you example. It really does ring true.

[@honorrolls5415]

John is absolutely the best a man of truth and integrity

[@babajaiy8246]

He's just putting forth his own opinion. Where's the actual data?

[@CJM6]

​@@babajaiy8246Where is yours?

[@babajaiy8246]

@@CJM6 Where is my what?

[@CJM6]

@@babajaiy8246 A data based opinion...

[@steveseidel9967]

@@babajaiy8246 Johan Norberg cites the research in his book. This video was interviewing Johan Norberg.

[@johnshultz2437]

Excellent content! Peoples inability to think dispassionately and rationally about economics is perhaps the most sinister trait of man.

[@djudjux3936]

I love Johan Norberg's books. They are optimistic about the future and they have great and positive arguments if you want to talk about capitalism/free markets/civil liberties to skeptical friends.

[@daveblakney9674]

I really enjoy the Joyful message of this video.

[@sidwhiting665]

Capitalism also forces me to interact with others. Consider that to have a transaction there have to be at least two people involved, and yes, we both agree that we'd rather have what the other person is offering, so we interact and negotiate a deal. In contrast in socialism/communism, the all-powerful Govt just takes away from some people and sends it to others. No interact, just transfers of wealth. The persons who lose end up resenting the ones who win, and the ones who win become arrogant and entitled. Capitalism isn't a perfect system because it is run by imperfect people. The kicker is every other system has the same problems (imperfect people), but on top of that has various layers of coercion.

[@thegeneralist7527]

And the trust is so great that we don't even barter or use cash.

[@dragonrider9051]

A man is alone not lonely. Political marketing has caused the riff of not wanting to reach out. I'm fullfilled in life, I dont want the elites political agenda in my life.

[@ClarisseRockinThatBow]

Capitalism and loneliness should not be linked together - at all. There is loneliness and isolation because of the lack of community. Families are fractured, whether by distance or divorce or toxic behavior. People pick up their dinner from a restaurant and go home, usually alone. Other people never have a meal with anybody. There is no spiritual or community bond with others. People need to interact with others in order to be well-balanced individuals. Why not learn to cook and invite others to join you for a meal? I did that, and it has enhanced my life greatly. I'm an introvert but have the behaviors of an extrovert because it made me less lonely. It took me about one year of working on this - talking to strangers every single time I went out. The more I did it, the more natural it became. I also have an anxiety disorder on top of that, but I still did it. Extend yourself to others; ask them how their day is going (for real), or admire something they are wearing, and ask them where they bought it. I'm an American, so this is kind of our "thing," starting conversations with strangers or smiling at someone. Not all people will be responsive, but i think most will be!

[@martinpennock9430]

As always you are spot on Mr. Stossel! Love your channel, and have always been a fan of yours! Plain talk and plain truth without bias. You and Bill Oreilly keep me sane these days. I never trust the media anymore. Much better to get my informationf from folks like you. Thanks again. As always, God bless you and your family. Thanks for everything you do!

[@CM-mz3qy]

We need a solid definition of loneliness - you can feel lonely when around a lot of people

[@GaryR55]

True. It isn't the quantity of relationships that counts, but rather, the quality.

[@CM-mz3qy]

@@GaryR55 💯

[@KenGray]

Seems to me that not having relationships is what makes you lonely, not how you get money to live. People on welfare are lonely too, and they live as far away from Capitalism as they can get.

[@brianbagnall3029]

All these loneliness headlines are likely as coordinated as the various SJW causes that materialized after 2012. They are role modelling loneliness, hoping to get people to think they are lonely. This is all part of the demoralization plan that Communists forever think will tip the country their way.

[@bluestorm9651]

It might be more complicated than that. Loneliness can be a side effect of living in a competitive society. Also the tech created in a capitalist society can contribute to loneliness.

[@KenGray]

@@bluestorm9651 no, it is that simple. Relationships solve the loneliness problem. If that doesn't solve it, loneliness isn't the problem.

[@bluestorm9651]

@@KenGray Relationships are made much more easily when people aren't glued to their phones which are a product of our capitalist society.

[@KenGray]

@@bluestorm9651 well, loneliness isn't your problem then. In a Communist society, it's eating that's a problem.

[@neatnateable]

It is hard to quantify a feeling or a transient state of being, but, as a single adult in his 40s, I would think that the longing for true relationship has been felt by every human that has ever lived. Some may feel/experience it more than others, and it is my prayer that everyone is able to find people to love and be loved by.

[@TheCynicalheart]

I have spoken to many and yes, they feel lonely, more so now than ever before. The lockdowns impacted many.

[@AntisocialRedNeckNerd]

Just look at how many charities exist in America. And how often, these charities do more to help people than the government. That is the reward of freedom.

[@105rogue]

I still say the problem is social media. People trade real and meaningful relationships with superficial and often times superfluous "friends " online that are nothing more than views for idiotic and insipid content. Parents, teach your children about the importance of family and community. Teach them the importance of getting outside and put a book in front of them often, instead of a screen. Teach them to think as individuals and never as a collective. Teach them right from wrong and that they should never be expected to be a sacrificial animal for the "greater good". Teach them the importance of self education and to be productive. Also, teach them to be grateful for what we have and to focus on what's really important in life. Family, health, and the freedom to pursue ones OWN happiness.

[@MatthewSmith-cp3hu]

double thank you 😊 that is such a good point!

[@JFMV763]

To be fair the media pretty much blames every issue on capitalism, not just loneliness.

[@JWS1313]

I am a Materialist person so I love capitalism, what i hate is people going around calling this crony capitalism (borderline socialism) that exists in America as capitalism or free market when it is a far cry from that.

[@schnek8927]

”Our system is heavily regulated and almost tyrannically controlled by the state, which is the complete opposite of capitalism/the free market... *This is capitalisms fault!”* - average anti-capitalist.

[@markbaston8147]

Materialism does not equal happiness. Family unity, traditions and culture will do that for you.

[@libertyprime1614]

@@markbaston8147 I don't want those things I want money.

[@marcushoward6560]

Being left the hell alone would make me a lot happier. @@markbaston8147

[@wyleecoyotee4252]

​@@markbaston8147 Autonomy is true happiness

[@mcartern88]

To me it's the big box corporatization and decline of local business of America that has made us lonelier, not capitalism itself. I live in a city where there are still a fairly good amount of local stores, and shopping makes me actually feel not lonely at all. I get to know shopkeepers on a recurring basis, cashiers, etc. Commerce is built on wanting to buy things but also relationships if you end up having more of a personal relationship with the businesses you are shopping at. So yes, I agree that capitalism doesn't call loneliness but more of the other externalities that have happened over the years that have been caused by corporate consolidation, corporate welfare, and private equity.

[@bugoutbubba3912]

If you can’t find happiness alone, you’ll never find it anywhere. The more we are compacted into denser societies, the more we pester the hell out of one another, the more we are unhappy and the more we feel alone. I live in a very rural area. People here, including myself, who have moved to town for a time, overwhelmingly seek to return to the countryside. You don’t see people moving to our rural community from a city, then mourning their former “elbow to elbow” existence. Except for the eternally lazy of course, because you can’t live out here without enduring a bit of physical labor and you can’t get happy by sitting on you ass.

[@rickyestes]

I’m American living in Malaysia. I always tip my cab drivers. I gave one a $3.70 tip the other day. He said it was the largest tip he had ever received.

[@musicalcharge]

What socialists, communists and statists of all stripes forget is that when you're free, you're also free to live in a "communal" way. We moved out to a rural town with a bit more space and know all of our neighbors, constantly giving each other food, watching each other's kids and pets, and so on, all voluntarily without exchanging money. Wouldn't have been possible if the government was telling us what to do.

[@marcushoward6560]

That's the real rub of all this nonsense. There is literally nothing stopping communists from living the way they claim they want to, yet they don't. The real reason is what they don't tell you; because they can't force everyone else to pay for them to do it so they can contribute nothing to their own existence.

[@DerrickJLive]

Thank Heaven for John Stossel

[@patrickbateman1660]

Every single time stossel faces a counter argument he just says it not real then picks a random "expert" to agree with him. Every single video.

[@flintinsects]

He is a coward.

[@bradvincet1848]

A lot of people don't want to deal with annoyances and drama so they choose to be alone. It does come with consequences, so pick your poison.

[@wayneslater1543]

Capitalism has been around for as long as we can remember.there was hardly any loneliness in the ages before games consoles and social media.

[@mackenzie305]

As a college student, I noticed that people are spending more time looking down at devices than looking up at each other

[@jackgaynor607]

Great stuff John, thank you!

[@vociferon-heraldofthewinte7763]

Studies have repeatedly shown that societies with active markets are far less lonely.

[@WoodRabbitTaoist]

Which studies?

[@ShawnPatton-rm2hv]

What is/are your source(s)? Thanks.

[@vociferon-heraldofthewinte7763]

@@WoodRabbitTaoist There are many. Just Google it.

[@vociferon-heraldofthewinte7763]

@@ShawnPatton-rm2hv There are many. Just Google it.

[@capitalallocator]

Blaming an entire economic system on why you feel lonely is a ridiculous oversimplification. Free markets is the best system to solve loneliness.

[@TheVeganVicar]

Do you use any of the following (rather euphemistic) terms? • gay • homophobia/homophobe • transphobia/transphobe • trans-sexual • transgender • cis gender • sex worker • African-American • capitalism/capitalist • any gender-specific pronoun other than he/she, him/her or his/her Then CONGRATULATIONS - you are (either knowingly or unwittingly) a silly stooge for the loony left!

[@janeth3139]

When I’m alone doing my own thing I’m fine. I’m lonely when I’m around others and realize I don’t really fit in with them.

[@Victor-it6bv]

Thanks for calling out the media BS

[@palaceofwisdom9448]

Imagine believing that having no control over your life will make you happier, when everyone who lives that way is behind walls patrolled by men with rifles.

[@thegeneralist7527]

Most intelligent comment here, and only two other likes.

[@palaceofwisdom9448]

@@jacoboc2244 Raving nonsense.

[@palaceofwisdom9448]

@@jacoboc2244 People refuse to participate in public policy, opting to delegate it to corruptible organizations, then want to blame capitalism itself for the outcome.

[@coreytrevor1311]

Democrats are never lonely. They have their government to be their bestest friend.

[@neilreynolds3858]

There's nothing that makes you feel lonelier than having to deal with bureaucracies and paperwork.

[@thegeneralist7527]

Second most intelligent comment behind "Imagine believing that having no control over your life will make you happier, when everyone who lives that way is behind walls patrolled by men with rifles."

[@ShawnPatton-rm2hv]

Especially after I retired from the USN after 26.5 years of active duty.

[@BruceCross]

True, they think the government is "helping" people while it robs them blind.

[@wyleecoyotee4252]

When i was married i was lonely in my marriage. Since i became single i made new friends (as a couple had none) went out to movies ( rarely when married) . Was a miserable marriage . We fought alot. Not lonely any more.

[@teacherrussell5206]

A lot of politicians count on what people don't understand about this system and economics in general, promising things that they know aren't a healthy or even a possible solution to their problems. It took me most of my life to become aware of this.

[@squiremc]

Absolutely right. I am pleased I taught myself investing after retirement. There was no instruction in investment in any educational institution I attended. I think we know why.

[@777Eliyahu]

It's not capitalism, it's the abandonment or traditional values and familial relationships

[@1voluntaryist]

Some "traditions" should be abandoned. As we mature, hopefully we question. As we question, we find superstitions, unsupported social/economic practices. We are told and expected to believe a practice is valuable, simply because it is old, long practiced, or popular. Questioning is thereby discouraged as disrespectful of your family, friends, community. Answers to questions are replaced by threats. This response to questioning, i.e., thinking for oneself, being responsible, disrespects thought and those who engage in it. This is inhumane. It is destructive for anyone who sacrifices himself to it and it is destructive of society.

[@GaryR55]

I'm an introvert. I enjoy being alone and spend most of my time alone. I think people who are lonely are people who feel they have no value as a person unless they are surrounded by others. In any case, lonliness is a personal problem. If you're lonely, get out and do something. Go be with others, if that's what you want. But don't blame anyone but yourself if you're feeling lonely. It's your life and you are in control of it. If you're lonely, choose to do something that relieves your loneliness. Go meet someone.

[@jasonnewby]

easier said than done. where does one go to do this assuming they have little to no current connections?

[@GaryR55]

@@jasonnewby They can try using their imagination, for starters. Think of things they could do to meet others. But I think the real problem here is self-pity. Those who feel the need to be with others are usually people who don't have much self-esteem. They are lacking in self-confidence and feel valueless unless there is someone to validate them. As for where to go to find people, that's fairly simple. They're all over the place. What they really mean, though, is that they can't find anyone who is interested in them. My observation of such people is that they're usually uninteresting people. They have little going for themselves and they seek the approval of others in order to feel needed. As for myself, I never feel lonely. Almost everything I do is a solitary experience: reading, writing, thinking, creating art, doing photography, etc. When I'm doing what I enjoy most, the last thing I want is someone hanging around me, talking to me, interrupting me, etc. I've been this way all my life. I do have friends and I've been married, but I find I enjoy my life more when I'm alone.

[@neatnateable]

I 100% agree. I do think this effort is more challenging today than ever, but it is still worth the effort.

[@neatnateable]

@@GaryR55 Since your love language is obviously not quality time, you may want to give others at least some credit for needing some quality time, touch, and conversation with others.

[@neilreynolds3858]

Spoken like a true introvert. Extroverts are crazy, aren't they? They don't exist unless somebody is paying attention to them. For some unfathomable reason, that's what our society thinks is ideal. People ask me if I live alone and I say, no, I live with a cat. I'm going to get married for the first time at 75 in January to another introvert from a very different culture. Find the one you can't live without.

[@t.j.payeur5331]

Thanks, buddy, keep up the good work...

[@MB-st7be]

I dunno man, I do think globalism (not capitalism) and social media are making us lonelier.

[@SoloRenegade]

yes, and the concerted efforts by our socialist/communist gov to destroy the family.

[@President_NotSure]

no tv made everyone scared the 90's rocked

[@gatocles99]

Remember, corporate monopolies are not Capitalism.

[@whousa642]

what is a monopoly. I think you know

[@gatocles99]

@@whousa642 It is very sad in this era of unparalleled access to information, that you do not know what a monopoly is. Communism is a monopoly. Your people.

[@whousa642]

Interesting answer. I seriously assumed based on your comment that you know what monopoly is. However, your nasty, childish response said you are undereducated. @@gatocles99

[@lexiolusiano7739]

As an immigrant from a small rural town in a developing country I can definitely say that there is more a sense of a community and grassroots support structure amongst extended family and friends there than in America. I'm not disregarding this report but I have mix feelings about it. I think it's more nuanced. America is a country where people have no culture, no sense of community, and feel like they're just consumers. There should be more to life than just economics.

[@marie.s9995]

I am glad I subscribed to Stossel! You are a goldmine sir!

[@mikhailhunter5277]

Capitalism made it possible for you to communicate with someone on the other side of the world, in 2 seconds and has somehow made us more lonely??

[@mackenzie305]

As someone who is a part of gen z, having a cell phone has made me more lonely. It's harder to meet new people when, most of the time, everyone is staring down at their phones. It's even normal for friends to be in the same room, but ignore each other to stare at their phone

[@zachsimmerock5257]

Blame the internet!!

[@GovernmentIssued]

Blame the people who blame the Internet

[@philiptaram]

John, I'm looking forward to seeing a full video on Argentina soon!! 😍

[@donaldduncan7095]

Alone (independent, self reliant)) doesn't mean lonely, you are never alone when you are "WITH" yourself. ☯=☮

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

Americas Loneliness Epidemic: Social Media and Cell Phones

[@wendelleddiebrewerlll]

Well get rid of media, stop with the lie

[@racerx4152]

getting rid of the media is like saying, get rid of all our food. media needs to be controlled, just like we all need to be careful about what we eat. the fact that your given the freedom to comment on line is part of the media. our nation has chosen to abandon judao/ christian values and that has ruined the media and everything else. human beings are evil and their heart can only be changed by Jesus christ. I'm sick of all the garbage in the media also.

[@tristanxunger]

Great job! To team Stossel

[@ScottALaFollette]

🎯 Thank you John & crew.

[@tommytaylor4458]

Spiritual problem is what the world suffers from!!🙏🙏

[@ErnaSolbergXXX]

We don't trust each other, but we trust media and governments. That's what make us lonely.

[@ShawnPatton-rm2hv]

Active duty military and veterans trust the government.

[@peterbrunsgaard2012]

My favorite journalist! 👏👏

[@martinparmer]

Every school needs to show this video. Frequently.

[@Ethan-zt7ky]

I'm so sick of people saying "I'm an introvert". No, you're not. It's become 'cool' to be lonely. People think it means you're 'different', 'edgy', 'non-conformist', and 'thoughtful'. I'm actually an introvert, i like to be alone SOMETIMES. I choose to have no friends because i have a lot of siblings. If you like to be alone ALL THE TIME, you're either following social trends, or you're using 'introvert' to make you feel better about your social anxiety/anti-social behavior.

[@jasonnewby]

what is the difference between someone who is an introvert and someone who has social anxiety because I feel there is a lot of cross over.

[@justincarreras7753]

Ok hipster

[@Ethan-zt7ky]

@@jasonnewby introvert means being alone is mentally beneficial, and social interaction is 'tiring' at times. Social anxiety means being alone is a survival instinct, and escaping social interaction that is otherwise 'terrifying' or at least 'unnecessary'. Every normal person needs some kind of social interaction periodically, even introverts. It's human nature. But people can be pushed into being anti-social.

[@GrnXnham]

Ethan, I wouldn't say it's become COOL to be lonely. I would say it's become cool to say you are an introvert for the reasons you stated. It's also COOL to say "I CHOOSE to have no friends" (just like you did) because that sounds COOLER than "No one wants to be my friend."

[@marcushoward6560]

Ah, yes. "anti-social behavior"; the idiotic, psychobabble nonsense morons use in an attempt to be derogatory to people that don't want to be around them.

[@marksinger6537]

5th viewer yeah - Love JS The move away from religion and its replacement with politics and woke ideology should be mentioned

[@peachmango5347]

BEAUTIFUL! --------------- John Norberg is delivering on his end of the deal. His teaching on capitalism as a service to others is worth the price of his book.

[@davidwholly5209]

Anyone else notice that on the "Human Freedom Index", it scrolled all the way down to 13... and the United States was nowhere to be found?

[@chriskucharski871]

Don't think this is right

[@Mcfunface]

Yep, the self reporting was probably skewing the data. People who feel down and lonely don't bother to fill out voluntary surveys on how their life is going as often as happier or extroverted people

[@averagejoe9249]

I'm lonely in the comments section

[@zachsimmerock5257]

It's ok your no Joeshmo....just average. Have a great day ,Joe!