‘I want to hug an actual, living person’: How Meduza’s Russian readers are coping with wartime loneliness
In August, Meduza published a piece on how the war in Ukraine has caused an epidemic of loneliness in Russia. The people we spoke to described how the invasion destroyed their ties with relatives and friends and how everyday contact with the people around them disappeared from their lives. In that article, we asked Meduza’s Russian readers to share their own stories of loneliness and isolation,…
In August, Meduza published an article detailing how the war in Ukraine has led to a surge of loneliness among Russians. The article prompted readers to share their personal experiences with isolation and to discuss coping mechanisms. Here are some of their stories.
Alexander Miass from the Chelyabinsk region notes that his circle of friends has become unrecognizable, as many initially supported the war. He now only discusses the war with his sister and her husband, focusing on how to adapt and survive in the changing reality. Despite the personal losses and sacrifices, he remains committed to his goals, such as getting married and having children, though these dreams are delayed by political and economic factors.
Igor, from the Volga region, describes how the war shifted societal norms, causing rifts in relationships and a loss of moral freedom. He has become more defensive and self-focused, preparing for a potentially hostile environment by shrinking his circle of responsibility to just his immediate surroundings. He has also distanced himself from consuming Russian-language media, only retaining a few outlets like Meduza for crucial information.
Igor's shift to English-speaking platforms has provided a space with fewer censorship concerns, allowing for more open and honest communication. He views AI, particularly ChatGPT, as a potential solution to his loneliness, offering a platform for discussion and modeling the world without the risk of judgment or repercussions. He expresses hope for a future where technology could bridge the gap between individuals, reducing the need for direct human interaction and the associated dangers.
Finally, Igor questions the relevance and necessity of nation-states, proposing instead a focus on local communities. He believes that the 2020s may soon be forgotten as a period of conflict and division, and he looks forward to a time when humanity can move beyond such challenges.
Written by urgent.news from Meduza (English)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
