Why is loneliness so common? It turns out it's not due to a lack social skills.

@NinaTina no, the study covered that. Many people who feel lonely do have an extensive offline life.

@NerdyPotato There in lies sad conundrum truth. But I want to add something to @NinaTina 's reply also. First we had texting capable phones then smart phones and the Internet crashed together. People began communicating and isolating before the pandemic. People text with other setting across the table from each other (WTF). That's a form of self induced mental isolation. If I made any sense with that even I'm not clear.
The one's that are social yet still lonely is a reflection of society in general and they may well also have psychological issues. It saddens me to even think of especially for the younger generation. I honestly didn't dig through the whole article because once I saw it didn't address my situation personally I skimmed it and made my post. This place is my socializing substitute only because in my situation it's difficult to get out and my health issues I keep away from people. But it's a sad state we are in and technology is a part of it but also is abusive relationships and people disrespecting and not listening to others. Some have developed the skill to listen to no end yet hear nothing. It's people. Like Soylent Green.

@Gibbon it's pretty clear that you didn't read the article, because that explicitly said the study found social skills did not appear to be a factor.

@NerdyPotato I saw enough to say I believe some of the thoughts in my reply are valid.