From Degrees of Difficulty: The Challenge of Equity in College Teaching by David Trend, now free of charge from Worlding Books
In the wake of the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on the “Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation” in America, college campuses have emerged as critical focal points for this growing crisis.[i] More concerning still have been findings that loneliness doesn’t affect all learners equally, with some demographics often shouldering a disproportionate weight of social disconnection. While overall numbers have surged, with over 65 percent of college students reporting feeling “very lonely” in the past year, these aggregate figures obscure significant disparities.[ii] First-Gen learners, students of color, low-income, and LGBTQ+ students consistently report experiencing loneliness at markedly higher rates. Some may find themselves in environments where few others share their identities or life experiences, leading to feelings of otherness and disconnection.
Here again, money pressures can exacerbate matters. Students juggling multiple jobs often have less time for social activities and may feel out of place among those without such responsibilities. This is especially true on college campuses, where social life frequently revolves around activities that come with a price tag. The Surgeon General’s advisory notes that “social connection is generally not something we can do alone and not something that is accessible equitably.”[iii] In this way –– and contrary popular stereotypes ––collegiate environments are especially prone to stress and isolation for students. Ongoing racial injustice, political tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, and increasing polarization can create environments where students fear they must be vigilant, watch what what they say, or even conceal aspects of their identities in social situations. This persistent state of guardedness can impede the forging of deep, authentic connections.
Campus counseling centers report being overwhelmed with requests for support, resulting in bottlenecks for mental health services. Underscoring the urgency the crisis, the Surgeon General said that that college aged adults 18-25 have the highest rates of loneliness compared to other groups. The report also highlights the serious health consequences of chronic loneliness, including increased likelihood of depression, anxiety, and even premature death. .People with weak social relationships have a 64 percent greater risk of developing clinical depression.[iv] Given that college can be a stressful time for any learner, this statistic is particularly concerning. For those already facing systemic barriers at college, chronic loneliness can make matters worse. This can go beyond immediate mental health concerns in creating long-term physical health implications. In fact, the advisory estimates that loneliness and weak social connections can result in a lifespan reduction comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.[v]
Recognizing the role of inequity in this crisis, many institutions are launching targeted initiatives to foster connection among students. Mentor programs specifically designed for First-Gen and students of color are helping to ease the transition to college life. Cultural centers and affinity groups are providing spaces for students to meet others with similar backgrounds and experiences. Schools also are working on the financial barriers to social connection. As one administrator put it, “We’re recognizing that social connection isn’t just about having opportunities to meet people — it’s about having equitable access to those opportunities.”[vi] Technology is playing a growing role in these efforts. While social media often gets blamed for causing feelings of isolation, some institutions are leveraging digital platforms in novel ways. They’re creating virtual communities that connect students with similar identities across different campuses, providing broader networks of peer support. But institutional efforts can’t fix this problem on their own. Addressing the root causes of inequitable loneliness requires a deeper look at the structural barriers to connection. This means confronting institutional racism, addressing economic inequality, and fostering truly inclusive campus cultures.
Looking ahead, the challenge of campus loneliness isn’t going away anytime soon. The Surgeon General’s advisory emphasizes that “it is critical to carefully consider equity in any approach to addressing social connection, as access and barriers to social opportunities are often not the same for everyone and often reinforce longstanding and historical inequities.”[vii] For college students maturing to adulthood in an increasingly divided world, fostering genuine human connections across lines of difference may be one of the most crucial skills they can develop. It’s not just about individual well-being, but about building a more cohesive and empathetic society.
Importantly, the Surgeon General’s advisory emphasizes that loneliness essentially is a societal issue. Declines in social connection affect entire communities, leading to decreased civic engagement and weaker social cohesion. On college campuses, this is seen in reduced participation in student organizations, lower turnout in student elections, and a general sense of disconnection from campus life. The report also points out that social connection is a key factor in academic success. Learners with strong social connections are more likely to persist in their studies and graduate on time. This shows that addressing loneliness is about more than improving student well-being. For all of these reasons, institutions need to keep in mind equity and inclusion as they strive to combat loneliness. This means ensuring that opportunities for connection are accessible and meaningful across the board.
[i] “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023).
[ii] College Students and Mental Health: A Five-Year Review,” National Institute of Mental Health (Bethesda: National Institute of Mental Health, 2025).
[iii] “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.”
[iv] Ibid.
[v] Ibid.
[vi] Ibid.
[vii] Ibid.