Solitude as a new aspirational lifestyle: 'We are not lonely'

Friday night has become a shared ritual for a growing group of women, many of them content creators, who choose to spotlight their solitary lifestyles on the internet. These women, often without close friends, embrace the peace and solitude that comes with living alone. One such creator, Lana Isa, a software sales manager in her 20s from Toronto, shares her nightly routine of cooking, reading, and watching TV alone on TikTok and Instagram.

For Isa, revealing her friendlessness was not a bold statement, but a reflection of her years of living alone. She found an audience that resonated with her experience, and her following grew from 2,000 to over 175,000 in eight months.

This trend of sharing solo living has attracted both admiration and criticism. Some label these creators as "loneliness influencers," accusing them of romanticising isolation and encouraging an "air of cosy defeatism." However, these women argue that their content showcases a lifestyle that many find relatable. They take solo dates, embark on spontaneous road trips, and even push through party awkwardness.

For introvert Devon Noehring, living alone allows her to feel most herself and recharge. Health researchers acknowledge that while humans need social connection, being alone can be beneficial for mental and physical wellbeing. Despite the allure of solitude portrayed by these influencers, they stress that it's essential to cultivate positive relationships and not let loneliness define one's life.