How Capitalism Causes Loneliness

Study after study confirms that we're all lonelier and more depressed than ever. Why is that? The root cause goes deeper than you might think.
How Capitalism Causes Loneliness - Second Thought
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Citations and Further Reading:
Links to mental health support (that aren’t 988)
warmline.org/
(from a list compiled by NPR @ www.npr.org/sections/health-s...)
www.callblackline.com/aboutfaq
kivagroups.carrd.co/
www.antipoliceterrorproject.o...
www.antipoliceterrorproject.o...
peersupportspace.org/daily-ga...
projectlets.org/crisis-support
samaritansnyc.org/
translifeline.org/hotline/
wildfloweralliance.org/online...
Alienation
• Why Marx was Right: Al...
www.marxists.org/glossary/ter...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marx%27...
Main news clip
• We need social connect...
Loneliness study
www.sciencedirect.com/science...
www.hhs.gov/sites/default/fil...
Burnout
www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages....
www.forbes.com/sites/jackkell...
edition.cnn.com/2023/04/13/he...
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/...
www.cnbc.com/2022/11/22/teach...
Workers and return to office
www.cnbc.com/2022/04/28/64per...
www.mckinsey.com/industries/r...
Wealth and zip code
opportunityinsights.org/wp-co...
Social media and mental health study quoted
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Neoliberal thought
neweconomics.org/2020/10/this...
www.redalyc.org/journal/1531/...
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[@johnphillips5993]

“When all of society is geared toward maximum exploitation instead of maximum well-being, of course mental health is going to suffer.” 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@nefariousyawn]

This quote and subsequent monologue is at 12:13

[@GamingPandaCat]

Hell we don't even care about minimum well being either

[@overth1nker-874]

​@@matthews7805 while america leaded in: other drug abuse (and deaths) and suicide rates and crime and general violence and innequality and unemployment, what are you trying to say? that conditions at the same time in the USRR where worse? look at the virtually zero unemployment rates, look at free housing so efective that homelessnes wasnt a thing, the almost erradication of hunger in the 50-60s due to coletivization, and all of this while fighting 30+ wars in this period from all sides. capitalism is destroying itself and each society that priorizes production over well being, and specially in america i see that most cannot see an alternative after decades of propaganda, of course URSS wasnt perfect, but in socialism lays an oportunnity to see an alternative that has happened and worked

[@eloffmusk]

and what's well-being?

[@zeyadsaeed9580]

​@@matthews7805 or maybe they just want a drink? This isn't really a solid indication of loneliness like for example depression(low serotonin) which can effectively assess "loneliness".

[@birdwatching_u_back]

Experts: “loneliness is a huge problem” Also experts: “it’s up to you to work out these issues on your own, take matters into your own hands and bear the crushing burden of solving your loneliness by yourself”

[@zakosist]

I think the latter is partially true, but wrong when taken too far. Nothing will happen when you don't take the step. But when there are situational reasons like too long work hours (actually needed to meet basic needs or keep the job) that wont leave enough time and energy left to socialize, and people may have different work schedules too, that is a society problem. And some places people basically can get around without driving, or putting themself in danger by walking on car roads, and that can be isolating to children and the adults that for one reason or another cant drive (and its also bad because of pollution, more car accidents and people getting less exercise, getting stuck in queues also suck). If important society hindrances are fixed first, like better worker rights and infrastructure, then we can leave it up to the people themself to actually take the last step remaining and start meeting each other. Social culture cant be fixed with legal changes (nor should it), but may still need some change

[@alexwinter3752]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@zakosist the latter is not partially true actually because it’s kinda common sense you have to take some personal steps to fix your loneliness and in a society where external factors are fixed that would be even more than obvious so you might as well just focus on those factors. they are the biggest things holding ppl back. and social culture can very much be fixed by changing our economic structure and it should be if possible, it doesn’t just need some change either but a radical one

[@tonytooshort]

All while being forced to slave away for your corporate master for a majority of your waking days. "Make sure you figure all that other shit out while you're OFF the clock bxtch" -Our collective Employers

[@anabsentprofessor6120]

Things like this have, more and more, been making me realize something. Capitalism isn’t individualistic. We demand individual EFFORT, but that’s not the same as individualism. People are required to excel, perform, outcompete others in a zero sum game for recognition and wealth, and on the level of labour that manifests in a demand for ever more reduction of your personhood in favour of more labour, more grinding. Capitalist individualism demands that we all become the same to our employers, and save our personality for after hours. That is not individualist.

[@birdwatching_u_back]

I think what I was poking at in my original comment is that the experts being interviewed are typically in support of the overarching structures that keep us lonely, and assume those structures are necessary and functional while asking us to solve our problems entirely within the confines of this isolating system, still embracing a more fundamental “pulling myself up by my bootstraps will solve all my problems” narrative. So yes, of COURSE individual action is necessary, but the catch is that we can both work to help ourselves while pushing against the very ontological and economic assumptions that created the situation in the first place. And in fact, that is *really* what constitutes “helping ourselves”, not simply rearranging the stories we’re told to adopt. (“You cannot dismantle the master’s house with the master’s tools,” blah blah.) So essentially, many of these experts want us to break out of loneliness while unquestioningly maintaining neoliberal metaphysics. In reality, we should also, obviously, realize that we AREN’T solipsistic neoliberal subjects trapped entirely inside ourselves-that human life itself is bigger than that, and that overcoming loneliness is not just another individual goal to achieve. Overcoming loneliness means, partly, disintegrating the ritual self-isolation that capitalism encourages. The basic alienation from other people, even your family/friends-and the strangers you walk by every day. The homogenization of real individuality into simply another generic unit. Mark Fisher’s lectures tackle these topics super coherently. He describes something called “capitalist realism,” which is how our very notions of reality have become so colonized by capitalism that it is immensely difficult to even imagine a break from it. Later in his life he was working on another project/concept he called “acid communism” that’s worth looking into as well. TLDR: Yes, PLEASE help yourself out! But in a paradoxical way, helping yourself out often means realizing that life isn’t fundamentally all a game of personal responsibility. (Jenny Odell, author of “How to Do Nothing,” talks about this beautifully.)

[@BagOCheetos]

I am a disabled veteran who lives alone, and this channel makes me feel less lonely. I appreciate you. 🤗

[@Eveonline100]

Thank you for your service and I hope you find friends. Stay strong!!!

[@tomgu2285]

Damn that sucks.

[@qunituabastard1754]

@@Eveonline100 what service ??

[@bunnyconcubus8468]

​@@qunituabastard1754Dude that's hella rude and offensive I don't care too much about the military and even I wouldn't say something do dumb

[@connorkeefe2483]

Yoo you in the Workers Party MA?? I recently officially registered with them

[@The_Human_Mass]

Even schools promote this, as there's still a strong environment of shut up and get work done. This means that during the years of our life where we grow into an individual we are still restricted from socializing with people to build more empathetic and caring environments.

[@ninyaninjabrifsanovichthes45]

Not to mention the numerous cliques that form and the constant drama when they *do* interact. And of course the 3+ hours of homework that teachers give you.

[@The_Human_Mass]

@@ninyaninjabrifsanovichthes45 true between the gossip culture and not understanding how to politely interact with people or be open to new ideas or really listening to others it's a bit ridiculous how much the education system fails to create good social interactions.

[@360shadowmoon]

Yep, and any collaboration on homework/assignments is called "cheating". I've gotten in trouble for helping classmates on their homework. Many people benefit from group studying as a way to learn!

[@zakosist]

Education is important, but a lot of things about it need to improve. Children need more actual spare time and room for free play and relax. The school need to care for both the physical and mental health for their students, because they spend so much of their time there it will inevitably have an impact. Bullying should be taken seriously, and punish the bully not the victim. I think people are naturally kinder with each other when they are more content. What students learn should be according to what is actually important and useful, either for the student themself or society as a whole. And they need more effort to ensure that what is taught is mostly genuinely learned, giving students what it takes to get in a focused state and not just throwing a bunch of information. Overwork also wears down focus

[@TrailerTrash-ge4ii]

so true! I feel montessori style schools are much better for a childs real development or safe, not just moulding to sadistic working standards, its sad and behaviour and bullying are just not dealt with properly either, hellish enviroment some schools. I dont judge those that decide not to send their young ones at all frrankly

[@ArlecchinoAKAFather]

Capitalism breeds a culture of "ME ME ME" so makes sense that more and more people are feeling alone

[@ButWhyMe...]

This culture is reinforced in youthhood, partially in religion, education, and in the family. Hell, possibly even in the stuff they watch.

[@Stryfe52]

Good then. Selfish people deserve to be alone!!

[@nathanmcbow158]

When one truly believes they are the center of their universe, they will never acknowledge everyone else in it...

[@kurisu7885]

@@ButWhyMe... Especially in a country that demands you have a car to get anywhere.

[@FeiFongWang]

They create a hyper individualist society, where every other person is simply an obstacle to be stepped over, then wonder why we're massacring each other and experiencing loneliness in record numbers. It's really sad people don't get this. It's the 21 Savage generation of selfish c*nts.

[@elidicerbo]

JT briefly touched on it, but car dependent infrastructure (as a result of automotive industry lobbying) definitely plays a huge role in loneliness and isolation, ESPECIALLY among kids. Nothing is quite as isolating as needing to drive 15-30+ minutes through loud, dangerous, inefficient infrastructure to go to your friends’ houses, a public park, school, work, or even just the grocery store. This is why good urbanism will be a necessary part of socialist revolution in my opinion. If anyone is interested in what I talked about, NotJustBikes is a great channel to learn more!

[@hydromic2518]

I Watch NotJustBikes too! Great channel

[@GoodNewsEveryone2999]

Not to mention that some jobs won’t even look at your resume unless you have a drivers license and good driving record… and I don’t mean jobs where you have to drive for the job. I’m not even sure how that’s legal because neurodivergent people, for example, have higher rates of never getting a license so it actively discriminates against not only that group but many others.

[@zackreph939]

NJB's video on "third places" was one of my favorites, highly recommended!

[@fkhan2006]

you are absolutely SPEWING the TRUTH 💯 I know this because I have FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE with this.

[@iPlayOnSpica]

I also highly recommend that Second Thought cover this topic. And, if he can afford it, to travel abroad and experience robust public transportation firsthand to help with the making of such a video.

[@chrisparsons2791]

I'm 50, I've lived this since I was 9; was left alone so mom could work nights. Grew up alienated from others' social groups because I was so poor. Wasted 25 yrs chasing the American Dream; double shifts, full time work and college, saddled with student loan debt and no good job to show for it, missed most of the milestones of my child's life, still no house, live with my adult child, struggle with crippling depression and all the stigmas that come with it socially. In debt up to my eyes. Yeah buddy, gotta love Capitalist Society. Spent most of my life worrying how much potential loss I would take if I let people in my life versus toughing it out on my own. Believe me I've had plenty of backbiting "Friends". They tell me I'm not tough enough that's why I am poor. Sorry I can't sleep with myself at night if I do what everyone else does to make a buck. Whole thing makes me sick. They want us to turn on each other so we are not united against them. They want us miserable so we buy comfort items or binge on services to make them rich. Let my life be inspiration to spark Socialist change.

[@TrailerTrash-ge4ii]

100% me too buddy, u are not alone

[@StraightFactsNoFiction]

I really resonated with the statement “spent most of my life worrying how much potential loss I would take if I let people in my life vs toughing it out on my own.” Deep shit my guy. Wish u well, look into cryptocurrency, watch Benjamin cowen, like basically watch the last 3 years of videos and you could probably figure out how to invest well enough to get outa debt. Learn macroeconomics and monetary policy, world reserve currency, how it is used and how every other country has to peg their currency, IMF, globalization, history of fiat, then on the more crypto side would be blockchain, DLT (distributed ledger technology), zero knowledge proofs (by polygon), and look at the implications blockchains like ETH with smart contact capabilities can revolutionize the futures, swaps, and derivative markets.

[@tiloosomega2448]

am honored to read this am inspired

[@TheQuestioner-pc5ls]

I am so sorry to hear this and I hope that your situation or at least some aspects of your life would improve and make your life better as you deserve.

[@Sick_Buffalo]

You want socialism? What's the problem? Move to North Korea or Cuba. Enjoy.

[@juanjesusrosasventura4538]

I study economics at UNAM (the most important university in Mexico that is also free) and, in the opposite of other universities around the world, we read a lot of Marx. It is mandatory for three years. Some professors are against it and trying to get rid of it, but that still does not happen. And I just want to praise the great work you do explaining socialist and Marxist theory in a simple and understandable way. Honestly, Marx's texts are not easy to read and videos like this not only make it easier to understand but also communicate to the primary target: the worker class. Keep going and thank you.

[@nishi1870]

I appreciate your perspective! I'm glad to hear that you find value in Second Thought's videos. It's interesting to hear about your experience studying economics at UNAM and the emphasis on Marx's works. In the USA, Marxist theory is not as widely taught or prioritized in economics education, it is actively avoided and even when it is taught out of necessity then it will still be only surface level or vague. It is important to have diverse perspectives. It is important to have exposure to different theories to foster a well-rounded understanding of economics and society. While Marx's texts can be challenging to read, simplified explanations and videos help make these ideas more accessible, especially to the working class. It's great to see efforts being made to bridge the gap and engage a broader audience in these important discussions. Let's continue to explore different perspectives and challenge the status quo for a more just and equitable future.

[@dudono1744]

I hope all the other major theories are also required.

[@juanjesusrosasventura4538]

@@dudono1744 yeah, why wouldn't they be?

[@Crabs69]

Mexico W

[@andrescastanedagutierrez7838]

Eyy otro camarada mexicano

[@craigvarian3570]

I can't think of any lonelier feeling I've experienced in my life than working in an office.

[@SaiyanShinobi]

me being here to hear any other voice besides mine cause the office downstairs is so quiet and lonely lol

[@ticktockontheclock5691]

Ain't much better in the kitchen. I was forced into a windowless kitchen for 12 hours a day, alone, with no human contact but for the POS spitting out orders. It's crazy to think about it now.

[@jasantana]

I believe in 1910 or 1920 about 90% of people worked in small businesses which had a much more communal environment than the 90% today that works in a corporate environment and furthermore ever notice corporates tries to sell their "culture" as a selling point but yet according to a Gallup data about 30% like their job but the rest don't. My current employer next goal is to become a 7 billion dollar company and I thought what does it mean to be a 7 billion dollar company at what expense and what vague platitude will they use to keep chirping away how important it is to become a 7, 8, 9, or 10 billion dollar company?

[@wsams]

Amen, I was ripped from my newborn spending 3 hours a day commuting and at least 8-9 in the office. I missed their first 5 years feeling incredibly stressed and lonely in a cubicle or the bus. Working from home since '19 has been the most amazing experience. I'm more productive and got to watch my second child grow up. It's been everything but lonely. Zoom has brought me closer, not further from employees.

[@anthonymorales842]

@@ticktockontheclock5691 for you at the time it seemed like the best choice.

[@WanderingExistence]

As somebody who feels lonely and constantly disempowered. Wage labor is renting yourself via "self ownership". Employment is literally renting another human being as if they're property. The employer-employee relationship is a very insidious dynamic. Employment is a rental contract, like if you rented capital (say, a chainsaw from Home Depot), you pay rent for the "time preference" (basically the cost of time) for a piece of property. Capitalism is based on a principle of self ownership, which sounds empowering, until you realize that most people don't own capital goods other than themselves, and must rent out the authority over themselves as pieces of "human capital". This is a process of dehumanization where human beings are valued for their return on investment as capital goods. This is why, at the very least, capitalism needs unions and safety nets (or abolishment), or else the system won't value people for their human value. Importantly we must also think about our sick, elderly, and disabled people, as they can't provide competitive economic return for the investor class to value. We must figure out a way to change this economic system if we wish to value each other.

[@thiccboilec451]

Shrek

[@dodododatdatdat]

You are spot on. The self as a project needs more attention

[@felixii4931]

@@HTV-2_Hypersonic_Glide_Vehicle Huh? we're living the complete failure of mixed economies. All that post ww2 gain is evaporating because of the profit system.

[@ameridesign]

Never thought of it that way...

[@TxxT33]

Preach brother.

[@lophiiformed4628]

As time goes on, instead of getting angrier or giving up, you've just gotten more funny

[@SecondThought]

Gotta laugh to keep from crying 🥲

[@slerz1]

In earlier times people had their tribe/community to confide in but nowadays there's a strong lack of cohesion in western urbanised environments. You pass thousands of people everyday whom are strangers to you.

[@michaelmiami]

“In earlier times…” is really just 30 years ago. The problem is moral, not economic.

[@CBT5777]

You're arguing semantics. @@michaelmiami

[@michaelmiami]

@@CBT5777 am I wrong?

[@freudianslippers6567]

@@michaelmiami Things weren't great 30 years ago either, especially within the grunge/punk/alt scenes many of my friends and fave bands were od'ing, killing themselves; now this sentiment is just becoming more well known because access to the internet has made it so that more people can express how they feel, and more people can read it. Things were cheaper, but it was still exploitative/lonely.

[@PCP1992]

And if you do talk to them they don't give you any support or even try to truly understand.

[@oxherder9061]

Can definitely confirm this is a huge problem affecting young people, like all people in Toronto in their 20s are lonely pretty much.

[@AndroidCovenant]

Isn't there a lot of stuff to do in downtown Toronto?

[@subject667]

@@AndroidCovenant Most people can't afford to go out or have time to set aside because money or work. There can be a lot of reasons but in my case I'm just way too busy with school and can't afford to go out much

[@jessip8654]

@@AndroidCovenant No one has the time or money to enjoy it. Everyone's too busy working 70+ hours a week to keep the rent paid on their $3000 a month closet sized apartment.

[@Richy15251]

Fellow Torontonian. Can confirm, though I'm 30 now.

[@LasArmas_]

We need to build mutual solidarity networks

[@CrystalMouse1]

I’m disabled. Without technology, I’d be completely alone! Thank you for addressing the real beast

[@michimatsch5862]

Chronic pain patient here with chronic depression to boot. If I didn't have discord and stuff reaching out to my friends and staying in touch would basically be Impossible on some days.

[@valurimist9861]

I wonder what economic model has innovated technology to the point where you can be on this platform and find fulfillment.

[@NosyFella]

@@valurimist9861 all the technology in your phone was developed by the state for the military

[@valurimist9861]

@@NosyFella First of all that's not true, secondly, the United States military contracts private companies to create things. So either way it leads back to private creation

[@valurimist9861]

​@@JohnT.4321 Thats weird, I though the USSR wasnt "real communism", and was actually "State capitalism".. I guess thats only if you critique it

[@Souchirouu]

Turns out when you have to work 40+ hours a week leaving you so tired that you can not or barely function at all once your home isn't great for maintaining friendships let alone make new ones. Which is great! The less you interact with other people the less likely you are to talk to each other and take action collaboratively.

[@dante340]

Alienation is real.. I'm 30 and honestly terrified of meeting new friends or going on dates because my income is far lower than average for my age group.. and I can't stand the thought of being "that one broke friend" in a social setting. I know, I know "Just get ur money up bro" is the typical internet response. I am working on it, but it will take time... and until then, it basically feels like I don't earn enough money to be worthy of human connection.

[@isaza5716]

Human connection doesnt require money! Thats the one thing everbody have to learn ^^.

[@anthonymontes7454]

@@isaza5716 After a certain age, it absolutely does... In an ideal world it wouldn't matter, but in reality, nobody will take a grown adult seriously who has no money or resources.

[@isaza5716]

@@anthonymontes7454 What is "has no money"? I would want a man who has no financial issues. A plan of life is mir important. But thats just my humble opinion =/. For a friend money is absolute out of question...

[@ianm8218]

I’m 27 and I’m in the same boat

[@TophBostic13]

I feel this so so so deeply. I can see in real time how, at only 30 years old, my family connections are withering because I have to sell 5/7th of my waking hours in order to survive. The other 2/7th is spent trying to either rest, socialize, or complete personal errands/hobbies. Not completing either resting, socializing, or errands in that small window ends up creating a mental deficit that gets ignored come Monday. How have we created such anti-human conditions for ourselves? 😕

[@TcCT238]

Spot on bro I agree 100%

[@waltonsmith7210]

It defies every instinct that we have as humans, and yet....

[@chromie6571]

Many generations of thorough propaganda/“education”. That and air conditioning. We’re too comfortable to actually do anything about our current situation

[@coolioso808]

I feel ya bro. I'm 30s, too, and I try to get enough socializing, rest and personal time but it is hard. I always want more. Correction: For my health and well-being I need more, we all need more time not working. But how do we get there? We have been born into a cancerous system. That's what capitalism is, a cancer. Infinite growth on a planet with finite resources isn't sustainable. Ruthless competition and profit maximization isn't healthy nor sustainable. A few people with vast wealth and the majority with less and less access to basic needs is barbaric. Despite the fact that we DO have enough technology and resources to go around for all people if we organized those resources and technology in a better way. The truth is we can actually create communities of prosperity and abundance with 5 basic economic transitions: 1.) Localization, 2.) Automation, 3.) Open Source, 4.) Access and 5.) Digital Network Feedback (thank you Peter Joseph and The New Human Rights Movement book). We can actually do more with less. We can use the power of co-operation and automation to get essential tasks done better and faster, while eliminating unnecessary jobs and waste. We know our basic needs: Food, water, clean energy, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education, etc. We can focus on creating local communities of abundance and prosperity and reducing our work week by sharing the wealth of resources and NOT looking to have one big boss own most of it. As Stephen Hawking said, "Everyone can enjoy a life a luxury if the wealth created by machines is shared" as well as that old quote "Many hands make light work." - We can do so much more, with less. This is an idea whose time has come. There is an exciting initiative using this strategy and it's called One Small Town with Michael Tellinger. Well worth your time checking it out. It's starting small but open to all communities around the world. Just 3 volunteer hours a week by any contributing member and we can start to see these beautiful people live in more beautiful communities faster than any bogus capitalist society ever could.

[@maganashaker167]

Humans are too good at adapting that we put on the pretence of normalcy everyday, so everyone assumes everyone is fine besides them

[@Emma-Maze]

Loneliness really eats at the soul, people need people. 💛

[@Stryfe52]

I’m so lonely!

[@sentientnatalie]

Yes! Even those of us in the spectrum, we still need human interaction, and I say this as someone who wasn't so socially ill-affected as a result of Covid-19.

[@Skoopyghost]

I am a introvert, but during covid. I had no human contact for a month. I almost went insane.

[@fullyfb3847]

​@@sentientnatalie What makes you think Marxism will save you from your autism and gender dysphoria? Genuinely curious.

[@cezarcatalin1406]

Jokes on all of you, I don’t have a soul and my only social connections are youtube comments and alcohol.

[@PhoenixFolf]

Hey JT, I know you might not see this, but thank you for this video. I just got off of an all-day shift from the restaurant I work at. It was terribly busy and I came home extremely burnt and upset, this video has helped soothe my nerves, and it addresses a lot of the issues I have been presented with today. Thank you for your hard work.

[@SecondThought]

Thanks so much! I’m so glad I could help in some small way

[@blackglitterxx1841]

Sending love to you! You're not alone!!!

[@360shadowmoon]

Something that I've tried to focus on more post-pandemic is becoming involved in my community - from gardening groups to meeting socials in the park. I think even before the pandemic, there has been a decline in third spaces and, by extension, having more loose acquaintences and being part of a larger community of people. People are usually restricted to their immediate friend group/family members, but if you don't start out with those, you're out on your own. Also important is that access to these "third spaces" are accessible and don't require spending money to participate.

[@tikki2340]

I really resonate with this. I was wondering if you had any advice on how to do that while working a full time job? I’ve been trying to find a way to add it to the balance, but the balance is shaky enough to begin with 😭

[@360shadowmoon]

@@tikki2340 Unfortunately, I don't have much advice here since I am still figuring it out myself. One thing that has been working for me is taking advantage of evening activities when I'm free. But yeah, the world I live in (as do many others) don't make this easy for us. I'm limited in both time and finances, and have to work for both.

[@RedYellowBird6889]

Alienation is one of the many many blights of our so-called "free and enriching" captlist system. I'm glad to see you finally covered it.

[@salonen5]

The "you are not alone" is one of the biggest lies told to mental health patients. I tried to figure out what that message actually means: "There is help available" - Yes there is but not for everyone "There are people who wants to help you" - This doesn't matter if the help stays at the level of wanting without realization "You can always reach out to converse with someone" -Yes but that usualy means 45min tops and you're alone again "There is other people who suffers, or have suffered from similar conditions" -True, but I find it hard to find comfort in the fact that the world is full of suffering The fact that so many who commits suicide have tried to reach out for help before the final act shows that there is something seriously wrong in the way we "help" people. The "you are not alone" is based on an illusion, like almost everything else in life and the best way to get rid of this particular illusion is, if you are not mental patient yourself, hear what those who are said to be helped thinks about the system. And I mean they need to be heard, not listened like is usually the case in these kind of situations. -Mental health patient (not currently suicidal)-

[@ScooterinAB]

Yep. "There is help available," but only for a few sessions of therapy. It's not enough to actually address any real problems. "There are people who want to help you," but the resources aren't there to do so. "You can always reach out to converse with someone," except that the 6-session talk therapy model has you spending most of a session catching your therapist up and leaves little room to actually resolve things. That "there are other people who suffer" just makes me feel more miserable and isolated because they don't want to burden others or take away resources that they might need more. And I'm saying this as someone who's a cough away from getting his psychology degree. There is a lot of room for our mental health supports to grow, and I've personally distanced myself from getting help because suffering alone is easier than the stress of finding a new therapist every 3 months and then going through the roller coaster of losing them.

[@mollymcginnis5348]

There is definitely something soul crushing about believing maybe therapy could help but realizing you will have to pay someone $200 to let you talk to them for an hour. Its so depersonalizing. Literally tearing up just considering it.

[@mekannatarry1929]

It's very much the religious protestant work ethic running its course, the goal is to get you back to work, not help you, thus possibly leading you wanting to help others, creating a community, that community learning certain things that increase the risk of challenging the status quo. Plus it doesn't help that medical care financial success relies entirely on how many unhealty and dead people there are, no money would be made if most are living full and healthy lives unddr capitalism.

[@dominicgunderson]

@@mollymcginnis5348 I know this is no supplement to therapy but if you ever need to talk i'm down to listen. Can't say that I can help much but sometimes even just having someone to talk to for a time can mean something.

[@Kite403]

Thank you for pointing this out. As someone who has been struggling with mental health for almost a decade, it's disheartening to hear about all the "help" that exists out there for my problems. Yes, there is "help"....if you have insurance/time/money to go and get it. At this rate, all I want is a confirmation diagnosis of all my problems, just so I can understand what I'm feeling half the time. But I can't even get a therapist after being on a wait list for almost 3 years, and even if I could, I don't have the funds/insurance to see one steadily

[@eliasbuledi5772]

Loneliness is destroying my mind. I forget so many thinks. This scares the shit out of me sometimes

[@riverbankfrank4896]

As calloused as I’ve become to all the awful and egregious effects of neolib capitalism, the basic issue of lonliness always makes me feel incredibly sad.

[@bunk95]

Not being around human slaves isnt going to make you sad.

[@JohnPap21]

Social life costs a lot. You need time and money to go out. Let along that you must have "good appearance" to be in most adult places.

[@TcCT238]

Time which employers demand, and money which employers exploit by paying nearly less than bear minimum for survival.

[@acewakaflaka]

​@@prayerjoseph9776 I love how absolutely childish this response is compared to your previous response.

[@elplaceholder]

​@@prayerjoseph9776 not directly, because if you dont work, you cant get money, and if you dont have money, you cant buy food and you will starve to death

[@joshuamarx8209]

@@prayerjoseph9776☣️ Moron Detected ☣️

[@raymondbyczko]

Its important to have empathy. Some of the response, in this thread, is 'if you' kind of thinking. Rather than that, consider, 'I understand your situation'. I think John Pap is correct, social life does cost a lot. Sure there are free things to do but a lot of relatively inexpensive things are out of reach, or can only be done in a very limited way at best.

[@GothVampiress]

in addition to the fact that higher income people can hire others to save time from tasks, i feel like it's also very important to note that people often aren't paid enough to socialize on their offtime. there are social hobbies i've given up due to not being able to pay fees, and even going out for a beer or two twice a week would be out of my budget with what my boss offers. with fewer and fewer free events and fewer free social spaces, plus an increased culture of not bothering strangers in those spaces, it becomes prohibitively expensive to socialize and meet people.

[@ScooterinAB]

This is something I often point out with teens and older kids. When everything costs too much money to do and everything has a price of admission, where do you go? Kids have nowhere they're allowed to be when they're not at school or home by themselves. There's nowhere where they can go to be with friends unless they are spending money that they likely don't have. It's also a problem I've sometimes had when traveling, as you have to stay on your feet because you're not allowed to be anywhere without paying for it.

[@GhostSamaritan]

@@ScooterinAB Soccer? Basketball? Skipping? Gymnastics? Parkour? Dancing?

[@birdiewolf3497]

​@@GhostSamaritanWell kids aren't allowed to go anywhere by themselves anymore. Folks are calling the police even when kids are playing in their own yard without their parents insight. So even if there was a places for kids to go and do they are at the mercy of their parents who are overworked and tired as is. And maybe you might say parents shouldn't live in fear of folks calling the police because their kids are outside by themselves. But like we don't offer any type of protections or support when it does happen. They are left to deal with the fallout on their own. And depending on your socioeconomic status the fallout could be catastrophic.

[@evilds3261]

@@arfarfarf256 Babies are financial liabilities. Yes, we are unfortunately going to decrease significantly in population because the cost of living will increase to such an extent that many will not be able to afford to raise a family without falling into poverty.

[@dragondancer1814]

I literally cannot afford to have a social life! My husband is doing time (don’t ask), and until he gets out it’s up to me to keep everything going. Between my minimum wage job (that’s all I qualify for even with a bachelor’s degree), being responsible for all the housework and yard work, raising our younger kid on my own (that one’s in high school, the other is in college), and helping my recently widowed father with chores around his house that have become difficult for him to do, the closest I get to a social life is running calls with the volunteer fire department. Social media? Other than KZbin, I don’t have any accounts. Why? Because I’m of the opinion that in order to have social media, one must first have a social life to even talk about (don’t even get me started on the lack of oversight regarding trolls and cyberbullies-I have enough problems with the real-world bullies!). The small town I live in doesn’t have much to offer for a social life if you’re not Republican or Christian, and activities in the county seat require fees and would wreak havoc on my gas budget besides! So I play games on my phone and watch TV in the company of our three cats. Between my husband’s arrest and pandemic-related legal delays and the isolation of the pandemic itself on top of the dumpster fire that was the rest of 2020, if it weren’t for those three furbabies to talk to I’d have wound up like Shirley Valentine talking to the wall!

[@susannadvortsin]

Everything you say is true. We have to fight capitalism not just loneliness.

[@Rainfire-forgets-to-animate]

Fight capitalism and you're fighting loneliness at the same time

[@johndotcue]

This so true. The friends I had from school are too busy in the rat race of capitalism solely because if they let go it’ll ruin their lives. I barely even socialize with them anymore because of how run down and tired they always feel. Too tired to hang out. And I’m not from America or the west. This type of shit happens all over the world where there is any sort of capitalism.

[@DanielKolbin]

And the problem isn't capitalism.

[@Beanssss_]

​@DanielKolbin late stage capitalism maybe. But it's mostly narcissism

[@sdbloo5734]

Your friends are getting their money up and progressing in their career goals sounds to me like you’re just an immature bum trying to make yourself feel better for not getting a job lol

[@kazumak.1542]

​​@@Beanssss_yes let's continue to blame the individual and not the social economic system

[@Person-ef4xj]

I feel there's the feedback loop of less interactions leading to worse mental health, leading to it being harder to be motivated to get a job, and there being anxiety over being judged for not having a job when interacting with others as well as not being able to spend money to go out, leading to less interactions.

[@michaelc3656]

Yeah, I was unemployed for a while some time ago. That unemployment led to intense and unyielding shame, which worsened my depression, which kept me isolated, which made it harder to look for work, which amplified my shame, which worsened my depression, and so on. Getting out of that feedback loop is extremely rough.

[@OneEyedMonkey9000]

Being unemployed is awful. Even for a few weeks, it’s hard to explain to someone ( super privileged) partly because they don’t want to

[@coolioso808]

Good point. I think humanity has been more or less 'quietly suffering' through worsening conditions because of the killer pressure of capitalism and not many of us have found a way out, so we don't even know what to do even if we know that the system is the sickness that is killing us. That's something I've spent A LOT of time thinking about. I've noticed for a long time, since I was a kid, that somethin' ain't right with our society. Growing up in Canada, I knew we had enough resource for everybody, enough food, water, shelter and technical ability to build great walkable cities - but I would still see hungry people, homeless people, people who were lonely. It didn't make sense to me. Now, in my 30s, I've learned a lot about it and I know thy beast. It is the system of capitalism that is killing us. MOST people want something better. But what is that thing? Well, I think there are many options, but the core of any better option is going to based around co-operation and communities creating localized abundance and prosperity, doing more with less. Sharing the workload on essential tasks, automating whenever possible, and giving everybody abundant access to basic needs for free, reducing the work week dramatically over time to the point where we might only work 3 hours a WEEK and still have all our basic needs, easily, met and we'll have so much free time we will be in much, much, much better mental and physical health spirits. This idea is being developed and opened up to the world with Michael Tellinger and the One Small Town initiative. Check it out. A proactive way to change your community for the better, who doesn't want that?

[@hansfrankfurter2903]

This is my life in a nutshell. My mental health deteriorated after high school which led to me taking forever to finish college. That then led to me losing all most of social connections for the fear of "not knowing how to explain myself" if asked "so where do you work" . At some point I kind of fell for the whole self help bs about "well its all in your head, just get out and socialize, no one really cares". I did, and I get exactly what I expected, harsh judgement and contempt. So I went back to relative isolation. Even then I still get told "you isolate yourself by your own free will". Oh well, you can't escape the hell that is other people. On top of that, I don't live in an individualistic country at all. In fact I'd say in collectivist societies, judgement can be harsher, because everyone expects everyone else to be the same. Little room for "individual lifestyle" or personal idiosyncrasies. Not sure of this is merely capitalism (sure has a lot to do with it) or something deeper within the human condition.

[@wietse1113]

Something I've seriously been noticing and worrying about: It seems to me like the more I learn and think about capitalism and neoliberalism, the more it gets to me on an emotional level. Knowledge may be power, but also, sometimes it just feels terrible to know that I can't do anything about it. Not really at least. I am powerless in the face of capitalism. It just gets me down. I genuinely worry that learning about these things just makes me feel their impact more strongly. I am sometimes very tempted to just shut myself off and go with the flow.

[@hydromic2518]

I feel the same way sometimes. It’s like a feeling of despair and just not wanting to do anything and then also the feeling of knowing that maybe just maybe you can do something but aren’t. There is still hope and things that we can do! One of the ways is complaining to the government. Most municipalities and local governments have their contact details available for you to complain to them about them not doing their job.

[@GalacticNovaOverlord]

​​​​@@hydromic2518 communicating or complaining won't do much. Only if you are rich or upper middle class will they listen if enough pressure is put into it at a local level. Sometimes that isn't enough. Holding them by the balls will keep them accountable. As a good ol Michael Parenti said, educate, agitate, organize, mobilize.

[@Gobbldeegoo1]

Buy weapons and ammo and make a flow chart of the most evil corporations and their benefactors you can find and think of, then get to work. It’s not like you just have to sit there and wallow until you die… fight back. Once electoralism fails to stop the oligarchy, it will be our only choice anyways. So prepare for that moment.

[@Gobbldeegoo1]

@@hydromic2518 your advice is to… complain more 😂🤦‍♂️ brilliant.

[@Gobbldeegoo1]

@@GalacticNovaOverlord name a single systemic change that was achieved in the last 30 years from protesting. You think the oligarchs care when they see the proletariat gather in a street, through their tv, 3000 miles away? They don’t care whatsoever, they live above it all. In fact, they make a couple phone calls and suddenly their is martial law, cops corralling people and charging them all with terrorism, and the national guard descending upon you for daring to stand up against the government. 13 people were assassinated for organizing the BLM protests… the government loves killing activists, because they know they have a monopoly on violence while the people at large are powerless against them.

[@chikibongbongbong8475]

I've always suffered from depression and anxiety but after the pandemic, I developed extreme social anxiety and did not leave my house for years. I have only just recently been able to seek help but the effects of isolation and loneliness are debilitating, I sometimes wonder if I will ever fully recover.

[@ProJMFPWT14]

I'm right there with ya! I feel like I lost a vital part of myself.

[@antpoo]

A lot of us were damaged, the division, the hatred, the lies and propaganda, you can never look at ppl the same way again. My anxiety goes off the charts since the Covid, I look at photos and appear to have aged fast too.

[@lazarusblackwell6988]

I will pray for your recovery.

[@markdunn7822]

A huge factor is also car culture. Americans don’t realize how unusual the layouts of their towns are. American suburbs are so badly planned that it’s hard/impossible to go to the grocery store without a car, let alone make social connections. There are barely any parks, sidewalks, or any people-centered environments in the suburbs. I’m from Costa Rica, what most Americans would consider a “third world country”. What’s funny is that the quality of life seems better in Costa Rica, mostly due to more walkable towns that feel organic and vibrant rather than looking like a lifeless racetrack as do the suburbs of Dallas, Houston, Denver, Los Angeles, and most cities in America.

[@missshroom5512]

The f’d up part is if you are just a normal person retiring you get super duper lonely as well especially on a budget …That is the rest of your days. You then realize your life was your work😔

[@ScooterinAB]

Yep. You work as a slave until you're of no value, and then spend the rest of your days lonely and isolated.

[@ambiarock590]

@@ScooterinAB I cannot see me living a fulfilling life in the ultra-capitalistic USA, and am contemplating living elsewhere.

[@ScooterinAB]

@@ambiarock590 None of us can.

[@stalinism6022]

Think of alienation this way: say when we construct houses in games, such as in Minecraft, we feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment after we finish the construction and we’re able to enjoy the first of our labor. Or building Lego, our any kind of work that you’re able to enjoy. Alienation in capitalists society strips your fruits of labor from not only to exploit you to make profit, but the fraction of the profit you produce are also converted into numbers on your salary, thus as work goes on, there is no actualized vision of the work you have done, they are simply converted into wages and without the collective control of the means of production by the workers, workers are constantly alienated into empty individuals without a sense of pride in their work, or contribution. In a socialist society, the increase on productivity and productive forces through automation will mean individuals can truly devote all their energy into the work they enjoy, whether it’s science, debating, literature, music, sport or art. They do not need to worry about profits since they are working or developing technology for the whole of humanity to progress. Say if a source of cheap energy is invented, this would be beneficial for all of humanity while in a capitalist society, they would be restricted for damaging the profits of already existing energy companies. I am writing this as a Chinese youth and a young socialist. Here in China, we suffer from the same problem American workers and youth suffers, such as loneliness and depression. I hope that the people in the world work as a collective against their own capitalist government rather than listening to bourgeois medias that spreads hatred against other nations and people. The worsening economic state and inflation in the world caused by capitalism as a economic system, and instead of accepting the hatred insinuated into us by our medias, we should work together for a better future free of the chains of capitalism.

[@shapes5395]

can you recommend me a video i want to know what a chinese socialist watches, a source with no anti socialist propoganda

[@alpaca6575]

@@shapes5395 what a chinese socialist watch? ----Second thoughts! jk, but if you can stand automatic translation, 小约翰可汗 can be quite interesting to watch, although he doesn't really touch on political issues and mainly focus on historic events, his contents are still interesting to watch. (Tho I'm not sure how socialists view him

[@nishi1870]

As a fellow socialist in America, I appreciate your perspective on the issue of alienation within capitalist societies. The examples you provided, such as constructing houses in games like Minecraft or engaging in enjoyable activities like building with Lego, highlight the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment we experience when we actively participate in meaningful work. In a capitalist society, however, the system often prioritizes profit-making over the well-being and satisfaction of individuals. Workers find themselves alienated from the products of their labor, as the fruits of their work are not fully realized by them but instead converted into wages. This can leave workers feeling disconnected from their contributions, lacking a sense of pride and fulfillment in their work. In contrast, a socialist society seeks to address this issue by emphasizing collective control and ownership of the means of production. Through increased productivity and automation, individuals would be able to devote their energy to the pursuits they genuinely enjoy, whether it be in the realms of science, literature, music, sports, or art. The focus would shift away from prioritizing profits for a select few, and instead, the goal would be to work towards the progress and betterment of humanity. In a socialist framework, if a source of cheap energy were to be invented, it would be viewed as a boon for all of humanity. Rather than being restricted to protect the profits of existing energy companies, the emphasis would be on utilizing such advancements for the benefit of society, ensuring that all individuals can access affordable and sustainable energy. I understand and share your concerns about loneliness, depression, and the negative impacts of capitalist systems on individuals' well-being. It is important for people around the world, regardless of nationality, to unite in collective action against their own capitalist governments. By rejecting the divisive narratives propagated by bourgeois media outlets and instead working together, we can strive for a future free from the constraints of capitalism, where the well-being and fulfillment of all individuals are prioritized.

[@jazzthedinosaur2183]

As a student this is true for us as well. In order to get good grades I give up nearly every waking hour to study, and the rest to my job. The biggest cause of stress in my life is school, no doubt about it. Because of that stress I am tired so when I do get a break, I don't have energy to hang out with friends or even maintain social connections. In turn we drift apart, loneliness increases and I get even more stressed. Every time I try do something for myself or hang out with friends, I can never enjoy it because I feel guilty that I'm not studying. I get this is partly on me, I'm working on better methods to create a more healthy balance, but that won't solve the issue, only make it more bearable.

[@liahb1745]

I connect to this way too much

[@dmitri2046]

@@liahb1745 same :( except when i try to connect with my old friends they ignore me. fucking ridiculous. as if our memories mean nothing because im of no use to them anymore. i tried to be so nice yet no one cares, funny. idk what i can do anymore life is a joke i try make friends no one gives a shit.

[@AS-kf1ol]

I met a German woman once who asked me why Americans shy away from making friends at work. I didn't know how to answer that question except to say "work isn't for making friends". I couldn't even begin to really think about why. She said "maybe it is because you can get fired here so easily" which at the time made little sense to me. I basically said that as part of our culture your work life and personal life are something you keep separate. Personal things are not meant for the workplace, that sometimes includes close friendships. Watching this video does help contextualize and answer her question though. It was really hard to contemplate and I even brought the question to my husband. We do keep the two worlds separate as a form of control to ensure our competitiveness and safety at work and at home. Work can RUIN relationships. And relationships an ruin work because there's no room to be really be human. Who knew not making friends at work (except to complain about work) is a symptom of Capitalism.

[@amrenmiller6053]

Yeah, neoliberalism has privatized virtually all of our cities, so that MOST places you could meet with other people are at work, and that means that not only are you afraid to form relationships at work, but that most of human relations are basically completely circumstantial as well.

[@TheTrancemaster90]

American culture it's all built around capitalism

[@Soistoi-meme]

It’s not a symptom of anything but someone’s choice not to be friends with folks at work. I have always chosen to forge relationships with people at work, and I’ve made some amazing friends that way.

[@JackieB.D.]

@@amrenmiller6053 I agree, there are very few places where large groups of people can gather outside after work here in the US. Elsewhere it’s hard not to run into beautiful piazzas and squares filled with families and friends relaxing, talking, just hanging. Here some cities, in a limited way, have this available but things do tend to wrap up at night. Our cities and towns are designed for cars, designed in a way that maximizes profit. They are not for people, not for quality of life.

[@lynnboartsdye1943]

I couldn’t agree more about more working hours=less time to connect with friends. I’m privileged to have some time before seriously looking for a job to figure out my mental health, neurodivergent needs and what I want for my life but just about all of my friends irl seem like they’re constantly working and if they’re not working they’re taking full time classes and any time in between is resting or eating. As proud of them as I am for working hard towards what they want for their lives I also miss them very much and can only imagine how lonely they might feel constantly working without a long enough break to socialize and not feel like a cog in the machine

[@nishi1870]

It's understandable that you feel concerned about your friends who are constantly working or studying, leaving little time for socializing and personal connections. It can be challenging to strike a balance between pursuing our goals and maintaining fulfilling relationships. It's important to acknowledge their hard work and dedication while also recognizing the toll it can take on their well-being and sense of connection. If you're concerned about their well-being, consider reaching out to them individually to express your support and care. Let them know that you understand their commitments but also emphasize the importance of self-care and maintaining social connections. Encourage them to take breaks and find small pockets of time for relaxation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. You might also suggest organizing activities that accommodate their busy schedules, such as planning shorter outings or virtual hangouts. It's essential to be understanding of their limitations and offer flexibility in finding ways to connect that work for everyone involved. Additionally, sharing resources or information about stress management, time management techniques, or self-care strategies could be helpful. Encouraging them to prioritize their well-being and find ways to maintain a healthy work-life balance is crucial. Remember that everyone's circumstances and preferences are different, so it's important to approach these conversations with empathy, understanding, and a non-judgmental attitude. Supporting your friends in finding ways to take care of themselves while pursuing their goals can make a significant difference in their overall well-being and may help alleviate some of the loneliness they might be experiencing. Ultimately, fostering open and supportive communication can strengthen your relationships and create a space where everyone feels understood and valued.

[@lynnboartsdye1943]

@@nishi1870 this is an incredibly wise and sweet comment, thank you :)

[@allyson--]

:,(

[@LittleBahamutGTR]

Ignoring the ultra wealthy for the moment, I have noticed among my group of people that eventually people who can marry and buy a home and those who aren’t, are isolating each other by status. I imagine it is emotionally draining to watch your peers succeed while feeling like there I no one out there for you and the possibility of never owning a home, especially if you are in your 35s or older.

[@chihirostargazer6573]

Also very true!

[@tannerhamiltonofficial]

I just switched from a sales job full of sharky and shifty salesmen at a flooring store to a construction job on a small crew doing hard outdoor labor in the hot South Georgia sun and I feel so much better about what I’m doing, who I’m around, who I work for, and how the ones running the company treat everyone (which is very good for example we were short on hours one week due to rain and they paid us the full week despite the lack of progress we made on our job site those days) despite how hard the job is. And the change was how much less alienated I felt in the environment this video helped me put everything into perspective. Thank you

[@JustAnotherGamer1005]

Funny how everyone first laughed at people who were/are lonely, but when covid happened, all of a sudden it was a serious issue. Going to work doesn't necessarily help with loneliness. You might have almost nothing in common with your colleagues. And we well know that your skills and knowledge doesn't wheigh as much as being socially accepted. After all, 'team-spirit' is a good excuse to get rid of the people you don't like, or to Force them to act a way they don't find comfortabel, making them even more lonely. You can be physically around a 1000 People and still feel lonely. I've been lonely most of my life, without me realizing it. Although I am easily comfortabel on my own and can be on my own for a long time. First because of prejudices, last decade because of discrimination, which has pushed me in the group of people that can't find work (although I have a bachelor degree) and thus cannot afford to go out. I go out walking with my dog, but these are generally settings where people socialize to meet possible new friends. And even then, when you don't have the money to regularly spend on trivial stuff, people just start to turn their backs to you. If you don't spend, you (hardly) don't get any friends.

[@nvmffs]

It's not about spending on trivial stuff, people just either think you're bad influence (you're dragging them down) or that you're no fun because mediocre people equate buying new stuff with fun.

[@DerrickRuthless]

This resonates with me significantly. Capitalism causes loneliness because I can't tell if I'm making an authentic connection with someone or if they're trying to use me for something or sell me something. Often times, it's been the latter two. Also, for me, friendships dissolve because of socioeconomic differences - i.e. I have struggles that another person literally cannot fathom. Furthermore, others have struggles that I can't relate to because I do have housing and job security. The whole system is divisive and I can't stand the nonstop competitiveness and one-upping. Now, excuse me while I go listen to some Bad Religion by myself.

[@lexj432hz6]

Over the last few years I’ve had people come up to me and start a friendly conversation, then a few minutes later it turns out it’s actually a business or job offer. It’s like you thought for once you were making a genuine connection, but sadly not.

[@DerrickRuthless]

@@lexj432hz6 100% has happened to me as well. Even people from my past reaching back out and I'm thinking we're reconnecting, but it turns out to be some life insurance or Ponzi scheme nonsense. Pretty depressing, I agree.

[@drewm9903]

That's been one of my worst fears would be the few friendships I made would eventually dissolve and it's largely due to socioeconomic differences.

[@DanielKolbin]

And the problem isn't capitalism.

[@blacksocrates1]

Not an issue with capitalism. Join a church, mosque, temple, lodge, club, league, etc..... People are simply not connected to anything. 70 years ago people belong to a lodge, church, bowling league and had extended family/friends. Now, people move away from their family and friends, live alone, do not attend any social institutions then wonder why they feel lonely. Quite peculier

[@jabs07]

JT I've been subscribed to you since the general interest science stuff and during that time i was heavily ingrained into the right-wing side of KZbin. When you made the switch I thought you were crazy and I was basically a hate watcher until I finally snapped out of it .I just want to thank you for getting me out of that downward spiral and opening my eyes to plights of our fellow human beings.

[@SecondThought]

So glad I could help! You should be proud of yourself for having the intellectual honesty to examine your beliefs. Keep up the good work!

[@jabs07]

@@SecondThought thanks man I appreciate it 🙏

[@cleanjimmy]

@@SecondThought You're a clown. Trade is beneficial to all parties (a priori) therefore 'capitalism' makes people's lives better. Inflation is what causes trade to be focused on short term consumerism. Read a book that isn't commie tripe.

[@freshsoftware4720]

This is the most wholesome post (and subsequent conversation) that I have seen on KZbin. Also relatable, as the majority of my friends are somewhat right-wing/conservative inclined due to my social network. I'm good at persuasion though. Usually I have something along the lines of "Well, what you've been hearing is propaganda, and there is a reason for that. People use propaganda because it's extremely effective. Otherwise the would not use it." as well as "Gotta love the right-wing argument that rich and powerful people don't have enough wealth or power". I am seen as a bit different in my home community, i.e. rumors (somewhat true) that I support Joe Biden over Trump, or that I'm not republican, are a lot of what people ask me about, but you know what I realized? The reason they talk and spread rumors and ask me about it, on the fundamental level, is out of curiosity, and that is a good sign. Many in the community (i.e. church) who ask are young children, and I can just imagine how it must re-frame the situation in their minds to know and be aware of the fact that there is someone in their own community who has differing views. It shatters the illusion of complete agreement. Also, I'm not shy about discussing it, and giving my reasons and reasoning on the matter, and, as mentioned previously, I am persuasive. At the end of the day, people on the right are often misled through no fault of their own, but it is not too hard, as one within a right-wing leaning community, to have the effect of changing their mind or at least softening their stance. It is the least I can do for them.

[@treacherousjslither6920]

You got brainwashed by this channel haha jk

[@94sHippie]

Not mentioned anywhere in the video is also the death of the "third space" or places that are not work and not the home, but where people can go to socialize. Since the pandemic, more and more casual eateries that used to be great places to get lunch with a friend, people watch, read, host open mics and trivia nights, or to just hang out for a while, have been opting to not reopen their dinning rooms in favor of catering to greater numbers of take out and delivery customers, and those places with dinning rooms have strict time limits on how long you can be their all to get people in and out as quickly as possible. The places that aren't centered around food still tend to be barred by pay walls.

[@nrrork]

Car dependency has killed our souls too. Imagine your job, just as it is now, but instead of having to commute, you just took a twenty-minute leisurely stroll to get there and back. Sip a coffee, enjoy the fresh brisk morning air in your lungs, grab a danish from the little bakery on the corner, get your exercise for the day, be free of the stresses of traffic. It'd really help with that obesity problem too. A burger and fries isn't so bad for you if you walk five blocks and back to get it.

[@DeezNutsAreSoft]

Ehh a 20min walk and you might burn around 100calories but I agree

[@JakXLT]

Exercise is not a weightloss activity. You physically can't do enough exercise in a day to burn fat the way people think they can.

[@AndroidCovenant]

I have a loneliness problem and I have no idea how to break out of it. My current situation does not allow me to just "go out there and meet people"

[@dudono1744]

You should try everything that has a chance to work (idk what that everything is tho, and if it's empty you're screwed)

[@mollymcginnis5348]

The screwed up part is that there are somehow so many of us who are feeling the exact same lack of human connection, but simply cannot find a way out of it. I want to give you advice but i dont know either. Especially when youve spent so much time alone that being around other people makes you anxious so you just isolate further to seek some sort of comfort but it only worsens your overall mental health. I wish we had more community. I wish i didnt feel like i have to stare at the ground when i walk past my neighbors. Something is so wrong with our society its making us all lose our humanity

[@carrieullrich5059]

Start by saying hello to everyone. Ask how are you when you have time to listen. Sit and listen. Have a conversation.

[@cezarcatalin1406]

@@mollymcginnis5348 I know the feeling... for me it eventually became numb. Either that or I numbed it down with alcohol.

[@forever-and-a-day2043]

"just go out there and meet people" is one of the most frustrating things I hear, from both mental health professionals and ordinary people alike. If I knew how to, I would! therapy sometimes seems like a scam, just telling them about shitty things and crying about it and then getting little to no actionable things to do to improve.

[@aquaticko]

Don't forget in North America how PHYSICALLY isolated we all are from each other because we build towns and cities for cars, and not people! When you need to spend thousands of dollars a year and much more time traveling just to get to spaces where we can socialize with one another, if such places (called third spaces--not home or workplaces) even exist at all, just being around other people to help you feel less lonely can feel like a luxury; it shouldn't be! Not to mention all the completely unnecessary dependency it creates in us on multinational for-profit companies (car companies, oil companies, tire companies, insurance companies, etc., etc.)....

[@owenbelezos8369]

absolutely. that is probably one of the reasons why america had become so right wing. we're becoming as isolated as rural farmers.

[@rachelk4805]

When I became a mom I kept losing my employment, not because I was irresponsible but because having the responsibility to care for another human being made me a less valuable commodity to my employer. Wonder why women who want to have children nevertheless choose not to? 🤔 It's a mystery...

[@LasArmas_]

Thank you. You're a voice for the voiceless

[@Andrearuch97]

YOU CAN TRY TO AVOID US BUT IS POINTLESS BUT U CAN NEVER AVOID THE VOICES OF THE VOICELESS... LOWKEY AND IMMORTAL TECHNIQUE

[@LasArmas_]

@@Andrearuch97 glad to see you caught that!!!! I’m Smiling rn

[@anti-naturevegan]

Anonymous for the voiceless?

[@LasArmas_]

@@anti-naturevegan we have to voice our own struggles and advocate for those weaker than us but he has more money than I ever will I am sure. It is always important to allow room for people like man to advocate for those nobody else cares about

[@stormchaser419]

Case study of myself. I was a teacher 3 years ago. As somebody single with no wife or kids I have just me to be responsible for. I took the 2 months of summer break to not work until school started back in August. I decided to go to a local amusement park about 38 times over 78 days. Spending large amounts of time in the sunshine, walking, eating at a slow pace, watching nature and of course enjoying rides. I never felt younger and more alive and better mentally than those 78 days. Yes many people can't afford with the current system to just take off work for 2 months straight. I was paid for those months as teachers can collect their yearly pay over 12 months. Exercise, time to recharge, sunshine and enjoying something like riding rides. We as humanity have strayed so far from what naturally helps us in all aspects of mental and physical health. Exploitative capitalism, this sick fascination with work in excess, addictive substances everywhere, exposure to artificial light indoors for far too many hours, exposure to blue light from electronics., chemicals in food. None of this is healthy even remotely.

[@Stryfe52]

Damn straight

[@Stryfe52]

Workouts, Showers, Vacation, scenic drives and walks. Those have literally been keeping me from going insane

[@yuki-sakurakawa]

Seems we all need the 2-3 month paid vacations that teachers get. Why can't store clerks and custodians be afforded the same courtesy 🤔

[@Iaotle]

You are pushing it with the 'blue light from electronics, addictive substances, exposure to artificial light and chemicals in food' bit. Food is literally made of chemicals, there is nothing wrong with putting some stuff in your food to make it taste better or last longer unless it's damaging to your health. If you don't wanna be exposed to artificial light - turn your lights off. It's literally just photons. Blue light has no real special significance, it's the brightness that messes with your circadian rhythm. And addictive substances have been with humans since the dawn of humanity (the only clean drinking liquid Europeans had for a long time was alcohol). Having drugs and electronics makes life better. It's just the profit-hungry approach that's fucking up people's lives.

[@ScooterinAB]

This is exactly why I oppose movements for 12 month schooling. Even if the number of non-school days stays the same, they are sprinkled in through the year to the point of being ineffective. You never get enough time away from things to fully recharge, and that wears people out.

[@nathananderson8720]

This is one of the channels that gave me the courage to start my KZbin channel 8 months ago about self development. Now I have 925 subs and > 700 hours of watch time. I know it’s not comparable with others but I’m still proud I started because I’ve been learning so many lessons that I could haven’t learned without getting started in the 1st place.

[@liz_violet]

ive been working retail for the past year, and the amount of family parties, hikes, shopping days and other stuff made me break down crying multiple times a month. because retail really wants you to work weekends, and i was balancing that plus college. and when i want to do stuff, everyone else in the family is too burned out by their weekday jobs to want to do much. i have discord servers full of friends, but we're all too entrenched in work or school to do a meetup. we're trying to do at least one this summer though, finger's crossed! until then, meetups in MMOs & multiplayer games were a livesaver. jackbox days, tf2 rounds, the occasional rewritten MMO...it takes the edge off a little.

[@yesreneau]

I laughed a little when I saw the surgeon general talking about loneliness, because I was like, “how is he ever going to be able to effectively address loneliness without calling out capitalism?”. Lol, he won’t. But there’s no way the surgeon general is ever going to insult capitalism… which is why his predicament is a bit of a joke.

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

Exactly. He is a well meaning sock puppet for the global gangster capitalists.

[@Abjecthda]

As someone in their mid 20s, it's always interesting to hear how folks who graduated from college struggle to build meaningful connections after college. Work dominates so much of our time, and we don't have many spaces to build community. Also on a random note I love your videos! Hope you're doing well in this crazy world.

[@RealestDave]

If people worked 8 hours a day on building and cultivating meaningful relationships the world would be a much different place. But instead, everyone is out working overtime, chasing the newest car, biggest house, fancy vacations and dinners just to show their social network how good they are

[@Jkjoannaki]

As a med student, I love surgery but it's the most antagonistic field. Capitalist mentality is unfortunately needed the most there to succeed. We love Surgeons as long as we are unconscious and don't interact with them. They're great for that and only for that. I wanted to become orthopedic surgeon but the environment is very toxic.

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

@@Jkjoannaki The mindset of global gangster capitalism is firmly entrenched in the US medical industry, and it does NOT have to be like that. Learn your skills and take them to a more people friendly and democratic place elsewhere in the world.

[@KoleMaravilla]

When JT said "you are allowed to and deserve to feel happy" my heart grew 3 sizes.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

It's not realistic, though. Most of the population are slaves, and they'll remain that way until their deaths. That's just how it goes.

[@TheSpecialPsycho]

That line indeed sounds more genuine than any of those easy thoughtless shares on Facebook of "In case no one told you, I'm proud of you" He wasn't placing importance on his validation, he just recognized and validated your emotions. And clearly meant it, with this video.

[@jukio02]

Everything is America feels so corporate, soulless, and people are superficial, always a fake smile, or something like that. It really hurts my body when just thinking about it.

[@crystallcatt]

This video couldnt come at a better time. Last night I was crying because of loneliness again. Ive been feeling it for years now, despite having good friends, a relationship and supportive parents. I think alienation and isolation might be better words for it. As an unemployed disabled person,I feel literally cut off from society. I feel like no ones there to truly support me, also because everyone is so busy with their own life/work/family. I cant blame them for it. But this system, ironically, pushes both the hard-working and the people who are not able to work at all, further and further into loneliness and isolation. I hope...one day we will find a place where we will not feel alone 🙏

[@drewm9903]

Funny enough I had the same feelings this morning and this video popped up on my feed today.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

I don't have any of those things (friends, relationship, support system). 💪😎✌️ I just have to tough it out alone. It is what it is. Being invisible is just the status quo for some people. I've also been "cancelled", so there's that as well! 😁 All good. I'm certain there are excellent reasons for it. I'm probably as terrible a human as Chump, Pooteen, Shenko, Xuck, Bezoz, etc. Yes, definitely. LOL 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨

[@turtleanton6539]

😊

[@NS-ms5eg]

I know what you mean. I broke down at work last week. It all just got to be too much for me. I’m seeing a psychologist this Friday. Hopefully this helps me.

[@nvmffs]

Well, you should blame them for it. Egoism is the biggest problem ouf our world. Just because you have a familiy doesn't give you the right to all of a sudden forget about everyone else outside it except when you need them for a favor or something.

[@JoshuaNeeley]

Work has definitely increased my loneliness as it uprooted me across the country. Also hated the effect of social media on my life so pretty much cut out the major platforms except for KZbin.

[@JoshuaNeeley]

@@lovethyneibor22736 gets a little deep in my case as my wife and I cannot have children. But overall if we could I would have trouble justifying it as my life wouldn't allow for the time to properly spend with my children. I would be in a situation where I would be sending them out unprepared for what is currently out there. If someone wants children though and can look after them and protect them I see no harm in it.

[@JoshuaNeeley]

@@lovethyneibor22736 that's what I mean by being able to take the time and teach them the importance of these type of issues. And protect them by working to improve the situation we are currently in. If children are wanted and the family can take the time to do it with forethought and education. I personally have no problem with it.

[@Celis.C]

Thank you for raising awareness to this crucial societal problem, JT. It hits home for me, personally, especially. As someone who's been bullied to the sidelines of society at a very young age, connecting to other people has been something I've never learned - quite the opposite. A major depressive disorder later (now 10 years ago) I've since gained self-confidence, self-knowledge and self-love. Yet to this day, though I wouldn't mind social connections, they drain me and I've continued to resort to what I've always thought was escapism. While this latter is part of the story, I've since learned that what I've really been trying to do is create an alternate version of myself in games. An alter ego that I can (self-)love, but also one that - I now realize - serves as _self-companionship_ . While this is not a solution in and of itself, it has served to make me not feel lonely (though I would feel that if I didn't have social contacts at work, I can't deny that). Looking at what I've been doing, I now see why so many more people seek out gaming, and especially games (or similar environments like VRchat) with a lot of character customization. It might just be that we're trying to look for a virtual ('perfect') self with which to connect with others (and quite possibly ourselves).

[@kapatidtomas]

Can relate and same here, have been somewhat bullied by classmates throughout the years (especially during the first year of high school in 2019) that led me to not socialize well and the pandemic has led me further to become shyer than ever, my incredibly stubborm family always misunderstands my mental situations heavily resulting in unwanted abuse, and I have OCD and ADHD at the same time. And yet living in a 3rd world capitalist country does not help at all. May socialism save us all.

[@fkhan2006]

thank you for sharing your experience. we tend to forget that so many people are hurting.

[@furiousdestroyah9999]

Can relate with the first part, though I ended up completely dissociating myself from other people, even if they *actually* wanted to be my friend. I guess in my mind companionship is just something that will never live up to expectations, so I'd rather opt into doing without it than investing time and energy into disappointment

[@Celis.C]

@@kapatidtomas Amen, my friend. I hope that you will find inner peace 🙏

[@Celis.C]

@@furiousdestroyah9999 I can relate to a high degree. Yet while I've lost all faith in humanity, I have yet hope for human potential. There are people who you can vibe with 100%, but you won't find them if you push everyone away unconditionally. I'm not saying not to keep your distance, but try a sideway glance every how and then?

[@168128]

Thank you very much for making this well-researched video, JT. I have been struggling with alienation pretty much all my life. I could remember as far back as kindergarten, I was labeled as a special needs child by my horrible teacher when I was really just a very shy introvert that had a sheltered upbringing. Needless to say, this label had stuck with me for a long time and as a result, I couldn't make any lasting relationships and I had an even worse educational experience than my peers. As I grew older, I got better at opening up and developed my social skills. However, I often find myself feeling that same dreaded alienation again and end up feeling frustrated and angry at the how difficult it was for me to articulate it. Often times, I engaged in self-blame and thinking that there's always something wrong with me. Even when I go to parties or conventions with people that seem like they would be easy to connect through shared interest or culture, I still feel that loneliness because they're usually in their own little world that is conjured up by this terrible system. Again, I am very grateful you made this video because it helped explain this lifelong struggle that I have always had a hard time articulating to others and seek the support I need to avoid falling into absolute despair.

[@rickross7710]

Bruuuuu I remember the days ya videos had cartoon cows! Ya came along way and deserve the recognition bro

[@rickross7710]

First videos I've seen was the one about nasa budget

[@SecondThought]

Thanks so much! Glad you stuck around!

[@thebowandbullet]

What also gets left out of the conversation is that working from the office means _commuting_ there and back. This time is lost to both employee and employer, and can be considerable. Using myself as an example, I live in a large city with a lot of traffic. While it might take me 10 min to get to the office on a Sunday morning (possibly the only time all week when there's little to no traffic), during the week, I lose 1-2 hours per day to commuting, depending on roadwork, weather, etc. Most of my coworkers live further away than I do.

[@hydromic2518]

Yeah not to mention the money spent on fuel and eventual maintenance on a car from using it more

[@thebowandbullet]

@@hydromic2518 Exactly, and the aggravation and stress, increased likelihood of car accidents, etc.

[@suicune2001]

Some point during quarantine, I decided to not speak to anyone for 30 days. I just wasn't having any of it and didn't want to speak to anyone including friends, family, and co-workers. After 30 days, I felt like I was developing dementia or something. I was forgetting common words and struggling with my thoughts. I immediately got back to being more social. Even just talking to my friends on the phone helped. And I'm a very introverted person. Isolation affects everyone. On the flip side, as much of an introvert I am, I still feel so much better when I visit family. It's a chaotic place, as many families are, but I love being there and I can tell my mental state improves a lot. I'm sure part of that is being away from work. lol. But we give each other regular hugs and support and it just feels so nice.

[@ScooterinAB]

I'm lucky (I guess) in that I think I faired COVID so much better than most people. I was an expat right up until COVID, so I was really isolated as it was. People where I lived were awesome and really tried to include me in things, but language barriers and a lack of access to any of my hobbies meant going home and watching TV alone every night. After COVID hit and I repatriated, I was already used to being alone. Not that it didn't affect me, but I didn't go through this life crisis a lot of people seemed to go through because I was kind of already there.

[@suicune2001]

@@ScooterinAB I fared pretty well during COVID since I already mostly just went to work and home. But 100% isolation was too much.

[@allyson--]

I've experienced something similar. It'd be curious to learn the science between loneliness & impaired brain function

[@allyson--]

I've experienced something similar. Curious to learn the science behind isolation and impaired brain function

[@suicune2001]

@@allyson-- Isolation has been studied many times in psychology. I don't know the exact science behind it but we're simply a social species. It's extremely important for our mental and even physical health. People put in isolation go insane after a while.

[@renyoudie]

Not acting, but this video has given me the inspiration to finally finish that song I've been working on. Just found ur channel but I cant thank you enough for your perspective and wisdom.

[@ecoRfan]

JT does it again. The loneliness epidemic is dark, but necessary to address. Recently listened to interview with Dr. Murthy and it definitely was mind opening. But I’m glad you have a take on this serious issue and what could and should be done.

[@thecatsbackyard4833]

It's difficult to describe just how important it is that this topic gets touched on. As human beings we rely on connection for %85 of our brain development which occurs outside the womb.

[@nishi1870]

I couldn't agree more with the importance of addressing the topic of human connection. As social creatures, our well-being and development heavily rely on meaningful interactions and relationships. It's fascinating to think that around 85% of our brain development occurs outside the womb, emphasizing the crucial role that social experiences play in shaping our minds. In a capitalist society, where individualism and competition are often prioritized, there can be a risk of losing touch with our social nature. The pressures of the system can lead individuals to become consumed by the demands of work, material pursuits, and the pursuit of success. As a result, people may inadvertently neglect their social connections and gradually disconnect from their own humanity. Loneliness serves as an important alarm, reminding us of the significance of fulfilling our need for social connection. It signifies that our mental health needs attention and nourishment. Recognizing this, we can strive to create spaces and systems that prioritize human well-being over profit and individual gain. By fostering a society that values and supports social connections, we can work towards reclaiming our humanity and building a more compassionate and fulfilling world.

[@thecatsbackyard4833]

@@nishi1870 Yes and we need more time to do all that.

[@bbloching]

At least my employer said "i don't care WHERE the work gets done, all I care about that it gets done" since march 2020 i've been to the office a grand total of maybe 10 days. I've never been more relaxed. no commute, no trying to look like i have stuff to do when i actually don't have anything to do. and so far it's been the most productive 3 years of my life.

[@egresham02]

You did a great job with this topic and covered many reasons why people are so lonely. Before the pandemic hit, I was miserable at my job because most people only interact with certain people at work, plus there is a high turnover, and many employees roughly stay about 5 years or less. Socializing on the job is cut short because we have to get work done, and by the time the workday ends, and you are tired and just want to go home. Some of the on-the-job socializing is forced, and I wasn't a fan of it because people once again only socialized with the people they were familiar with. The pandemic allowed me to do online therapy, and I found it very helpful. It really helped me with my anxiety and depression. I am still at my current job, but I don't respond to things in the same manner I did before doing therapy. I have better tools thanks to therapy and the work outside of therapy. I am planning on leaving my job and figuring out how to work for myself because working for others showed me that I don't like being at the mercy of others' decisions.

[@carm-nice]

My God JT, you and your content have become so high quality and professional. It's so cool to see you become better and better at this. Love your channel, you are probably one of the most important content creators in the American sphere. Thank you so much for all the information and great content.

[@Jebbis]

Cars and car centric infrastructure are also a huge factors in loneliness. You’re always isolated in expensive metal boxes and you have no third place to go and be with people, and the time investment to get places is huge.

[@charvisaur4184]

The point about cutting schools art programs came and went in a flash, but it's a REALLY important point. I lived in a poor family that got eviccted and moved around a lot. I've been to both rich white schools and poor black schools. The rich white schools with the good Orchestra and art courses were my favorite parts about going to school. They made me look forward to getting up and going to school in the morning. I made some of my best friends in those classes, and I ended up developing a lifelong appreciation for music thanks to those classes. That's why I was devastated when I was forced to move to a school in a poor black neighborhood. No more AP courses, the school didn't have them, so I basically went back a grade and was forced to waste 1 year learning what I already knew. No more arts courses, I desperately wanted to keep learning the Cello, but there was no longer any way for me to do that. I mentally checked out from school at that point. I didn't make any friends because I saw no point. As far as I knew, we'd move again at any moment, and I wasn't paying much attention in class. To the outside, it looked like I excelled in that school. I graduated top 10% in my class, but only because I was effectively 1 grade ahead and already learned waht that school was teaching, but I can't list off a single thing I learned from that school. I can still recite all the music theroy lessons I learned from orchestra even now 12 years later.

[@BigHenFor]

It's a sad truth that society tends to waste resources, including the potential of individuals. Even Mark Twain said "I don't let my schooling interfere with my education." I think Twain had a point. You have to create your own agenda in life, because if you rely on the agenda Society has for you, you will not help but be disappointed. So, despite everything, define your own priorities, and one of those is to never lose your curiosity. Keep exploring different ways to live your life, capture your experiences in a journal, analyse the results, and decide what you would like to pursue. That will enrich your life, and help you grow. You can live a life you love if you ask questions, and don't settle for easy answers. Just don't be afraid to experiment. Doing that will help you shape your reality and recognise and better fulfil you own wants needs.

[@charvisaur4184]

@@BigHenFor I agree with that to an extent. I've chosen to continue pursuing my music education as an adult. I do art for a living, and I compose as a side hobby. But there is a chance that I never would have discovered these passions in the first place if I did not have the phenomenal music teachers I did who passed off their passion for music on to me. I certainly never would have been able to learn the Cello growing up, because it was far too expensive. Having the option to learn it through a school program litearlly gave me access to something I would never have gotten otherwise. So much potential is lost because we don't invest into certain parts of society. Black neighborhoods are especially impacted. Some see these people as inherently less intelegent/lazy when in reality, they just aren't presented the same opportunities as their well-off white counterparts.

[@danbruck9728]

Dude, this is the most share worthy video I've seen in a long time. Nicely done.

[@KatharineOsborne]

I was extremely lonely as a child/teenager, a time when I had the most social interaction. As an adult I am more socially alone but almost never lonely. It could be a hormonal/aging thing, or might have been my autism diagnosis that made me stop comparing myself to others and made me feel much better about myself. I do absolutely agree with the thesis of this video that having to spend time at work with people you might not socialise with otherwise, preventing you from socialising with your preferred friends is a cause of loneliness. I also think social media can be isolating (if only because it can absorb so much time but also for negative interactions that make you feel worse about yourself). But I do think it’s s much more complex and nuanced issue and there is no silver bullet solution.

[@markigirl2757]

Most def as soon as I said fuck it I don’t even mesh with most people bc adhd and autism I decided to embrace my true self despite it going against social pressures and found life’s gone easier once I jsut didn’t care anymore

[@tj-co9go]

Agree with this, as a fellow autistic. Maybe it's because a child you have no freedom over who you meet and what circles you are in? You have to be in family and at school. Now as adult, you can choose who you work with, who you befriend

[@turtleanton6539]

Agreed 😊

[@beangobernador]

Ok, I think I have something unique to share here. School, or rather prison, is a pretty lonely place as well. As a student (not university/college) who is a radical marxist, school feels even more like prison once you know what’s wrong with it. School is just like work, but I guess less labour intensive and no money, it’s like practicing being a worker under capitalism. You have a strict schedule, you can’t be on your phone, you can’t doodle, etc. unless the teacher isn’t strict, but when they are strict they create this authoritarian environment where socialization and freedom is demonized. But obviously the problem goes deeper than that, just being forced to go to school in the first place is horrible. Being forced every weekday to wake up early and go to prison where nothing is learned, where individualism is killed, and where human intellect is turned into numbers is horrible. Forced by law to sit at this desk for 6 hours a day watching some adult who has no idea what they’re talking about, then going home and being assigned a bullshit paper to work on for another 69 hours on top of that. School is seen as a place where you socialize, and it very much is, but only to a limited extent; socialization only during certain hours where you aren’t being forced to stay quiet and listen to this teacher blabber on about shit you don’t care about. It’s especially alienating when you are a marxist like me. And guess what, on top of this we students can’t unite under a common struggle like labour unions or something. These are kids, some don’t even know how shit this system truly is, and those who do, well, what power do we have. Is reform really possible under capitalism? I don’t think so, the right has already weaponized education reform, using it to their advantage and further suppressing socialism. Under this neoliberal dictatorship, nothing sort of massive protests like the civil rights era, but more revolutionary and destabilizing, is needed to get anything fundamental to change. But for now, prison is lonely. Employment is even worse.

[@carrieullrich5059]

There's hundreds of students at every school who feel like you do. If you never talk to them, you'll never organize to make life better. Talk to everyone, all the time. ❤

[@liz_violet]

@@elfrjz unfortunately, there aren't student unions like indo has. our student body is more event planners and trying to make high school less of a hellscape. chaperoned parties, club interaction, & general entertainment. Colege and uni student bodies, on the other hand, do that plus student life aid like free groceries and career help.

[@furiousdestroyah9999]

School really was a prison for people like us

[@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel]

I avoid people because of so much confrontation. even if you have time and money, too many experiences has lead me to have very tight and few friends/ family. Personally don't need to be friends with people I work with but just be nice to each other.

[@LoudSunshine]

Thank you JT, i really needed this video, it's been rough lately

[@calebbliss8626]

Unrelated to video topic but I’ve been watching your channel a long time and I like how your sense of humor comes out more in your recent videos.

[@WoefulMinion]

When people were defending the police, they kept saying it was just "one bad apple," but the expression is "one bad apple spoils the whole bunch," the opposite of what they meant. Likewise, "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" means doing something impossible, not self-reliance. I think another way capitalism affects our mental health is by pollution. I know the bad air quality where I live has kept my spouse and me low-grade ill most of the year and being sick really increases our depression as well.

[@kapatidtomas]

By the way, loneliness is not only a exclusive American thing. It affects literally everybody in the entire world, it's a quiet pandemic. Even in Japan and especially in South Korea (a very good example because it is a very late stage capitalist country) and especially in that country and at this point loneliness is not surprising there and is an epidemic there, and the loneliness phenomenon there called "hikikomori". And heck, even I feel lonely sometimes (and sometimes my loneliness would feel incredibly bad at some point). Edit: The Gravel Institute (leftist PragerU) also made a video relating to this topic as well btw, you should check it out.

[@jimascreama]

I'm a student. Back when we were all in lockdown, I certainly felt isolated, but my online connections thrived, and I even visited one friend in person quite often. Since moving away from online classes, my friend has been more and more busy to the point where we hardly even text each other. I haven't been able to reach out to my online friends, and I'm awkward around real people so ironically enough I sometimes feel MORE lonely since going back to school in person. I suppose this is only tangentially related but I thought it was relevant

[@MisterFreak579]

In America this seems to be the norm even when you are at your job your own co-workers will ignore you and just do their jobs as if they were mindless robots without any emotions.

[@tonyk4615]

The way that the terms “Teamwork” and “collaboration” are used by employers is an example of doublespeak. What your employer really means is “do exactly as you are told or else”.

[@nicolocorbellani9807]

@@lovethyneibor22736 let the corporate slaves die alone, also mock them like they deserve.

[@nicolocorbellani9807]

@@lovethyneibor22736 i mean don't help them , if they simp for someone who will inevitably crush them they deserve to be crushed.

[@nicolocorbellani9807]

@@lovethyneibor22736 don't matter, it's not important.

[@Yonnie2436]

Yes, this is sooooo true.. We are stronger in numbers, I'm ready an willing to join with my fellow sisters and brothers, let's learn to agree to disagree, for our own mental health 😔 💔

[@oxherder9061]

Nice! Find a local mutual-aid group or something maybe :-)

[@Yonnie2436]

@@oxherder9061 That's a good idea.. We have nothing like that here, I live in Louisiana 😂 But, I have become very involved with some children from our community and my church.. We are trying hard to erase some of this negative, unnecessary division social media has created 😒

[@Stryfe52]

ape together strong

[@chromie6571]

@@Stryfe52 My politics in a nutshell

[@jihadmilhem]

I wish I could contribute. Tbh, I’m scared of even posting this given my name, ethnicity, and social class. You words and ideas have reminded me I’m not alone in my thoughts, political theory, and daily struggle. Thank you. Look forward to the day I can be member of your regular financially support.

[@TheSagaOfGregGetsRekt]

First of all, thank you for acknowledging *Severance*'s existence, absolutely underrated masterpiece of a show. Secondly, this vod really does do an excellent job highlighting the systematic encouragement of isolation; I believe being as individually self-supporting as possible, but after a time, there's only so much you can do.

[@interrupted_reverie]

stuck for years in a chronic depersonalisation and derealisation episodes , it gets better but it never ends, the more neurodivergent you are the harder it is to enjoy most people energy , in a twisted thought process one rather suffer alone in this mind fuck than have a company of randoms

[@MrMooAndMoonSquirrelToo]

😳 are you me?

[@Stryfe52]

The struggle continues!

[@Scriven42]

That intro, OMG! I'm all in for JT's Artistic Phase!

[@TheGlobalfrog12]

The biggest loss to society over the centuries is empathy. Capitalism has just sped that process up, monetized it and profits from it.

[@bilbobaggins9451]

Empathy is 100% dead.

[@Victoria0409]

Absolutely impressed with the quality of this video! Thank you! Greetings from Brazil

[@MusicalPsycho]

I missed these weekly videos! I learn so much every time I see a new Second Thought video

[@raymundogonzalez6450]

Truth 💯💥👍

[@kolober2045]

Working from home has made a huge improvement in my quality of life. I get to spend more time with my family, more time taking care of stuff at home, and less time navigating the social intricacies of the professional office environment. My anxiety is way better. Honestly, I'd probably quit if I were forced back to working in the office more than 1 day per week.

[@toastingtoast161]

i really like your new video recording and editing style with the funny bits and webcam shots with printed out studies or change in location for shots :)

[@cletusMcFart]

About 9 years ago, after my 2nd week on a new job as a software developer, I was asked by a former acquaintance about my experience thus far. I replied: "So far so good. I think I've made a couple of friends already", which was true. I was fortunate to get a really nice group of like-minded guys on my 1st project there, and we bonded almost since day 1. Since then, we have moved into different things, but we still keep in touch once in a while. But the immediate reply that I got from that sincere admission was "you don't have friends in the workplace, you have colleagues!". It's important to note that this person was not a boss herself, she was just another irrelevant cog in another machine. This is every neoliberal boss's wet dream: when their twisted rhetoric is spewed by the same workers that it intends to control. This happened almost a decade ago and since then it only got worse. Way, way worse...

[@Cristal3]

Every time I hear "social media causes loneliness" or "Smartphones are bad", I call bullshit. As a disabled person who knows many disabled people, Social Media and technology reduces loneliness! If anything, working people are drawn to these technologies because we are strapped for time and money. We don't have time to go out, but at least we can send a few messages to friends and family. Similarly, I feel like online dating is a result of the everlasting squeeze of capitalism.

[@ScooterinAB]

It's definitely designed for shitty purposes but so are guns. It's all about how you use it. Most of my interactions right now are online, and it lets me do things I can't do (including cope with being disabled). I just have to be careful about how I use these things so that I don't end up isolating myself from others in real life or becoming more lonely as a result of being manipulated by social media platforms.

[@Cristal3]

@@ScooterinAB I won't deny that there is an addictive element to social media. It satisfies one of our primal urges that ultimately is meant to help us reproduce. However, I strongly believe that people would be drawn to social media less if other options were more available.

[@birdiewolf3497]

Yeah the technology isn't as harmful but the capitalists controlling them are definitely evil. Like it's whole purpose is to make money. And the further isolation of people makes them more money, so they will do that. They are not invested in our well-being unless it impacts their bottom line.

[@ScooterinAB]

@Zaydan Alfariz My point is that it is a tool. Guns don't kill people (for as much as I dislike them). People having reckless and unchecked access to guins kills people. Likewise, niether social media nor phones themselves are bad. The problems come when people use them irresponsibly. Trying to dismiss them as the problem absolves people of their actions instead of holding them responsible for them.

[@yuki-sakurakawa]

I was thinking of something I needed...you provided it. Thank you so much. Keep up the good work 👏

[@DavidVillegas87]

This video makes sense. The whole structure of capitalism is to get away from what all of our ancestors had that worked well, communalism. This is why we see the "self-help", "self-care" advice from multiple social media posts, they swear that if you just take care of yourself, "everything will be fine." It's the paradox of living under capitalism, it really makes it super hard for the marginalized to get ahead and on equal terms with those with power. Without community, of course humanity is bound to fall...

[@32raw]

One of your best videos yet (imho)! Thank you for this and for every video you create. 🙏

[@brianngo6360]

Your editing skills have gotten so good. Good Job and great video!!

[@guccistreams]

Been a big fan of your content for years now, but i’m glad you’re working a bit more humour into these nowadays

[@grichard1585]

Fun Fak: The term "Human Resources" was first used in the 1960s... However, it wasn't until the 1980s that the term replaced "Personnel" as the preferred term for employee management.

[@jlwilder8436]

JT, your channel (& videos) is awesome; very impressive, well researched, written and presented. I have just watched a bunch the last few days and, man: well done! 🤠 I will spread the word &/or become a contributing patron in the near future. (Also, was your previous channel (of science videos) called Real Life Lore, or something like that? 🤔 Both topics are interesting and cool, and I still like to learn from both; but you do this very well.) For what it's worth, a video about how/why/when you transitioned from that stuff (that you said you didn't really enjoy 😕 ) to this area of study/communication would be a very interesting video for you to make (revisiting that part of your past) and for us (fans of your channels) to watch, and be enlightened by the back story - kind of like how the Veritasium guy did a video some years back about "his story", and how he got from where he (thought he) was going to where he ended up; done with a lot of heart and sincerity. Cool to see; maybe...(?) 💁🏻 Thanks for your work. 💪🏼

[@migdon470]

I love working from home. It has allowed me to regain my mental health, better sleep and feel more at peace.