Loneliness is Growing Among Medellin’s Youth

Loneliness and weakened social connections among young people in Medellín are growing concerns according to a new Youth Well-Being Measurement. Despite their optimism for the future, Medellín's young people (ages 14 to 28) are struggling to maintain friendships, find people to talk to about their problems, and build strong relationships beyond screens.

The comprehensive survey, conducted among 3,056 young people across 16 urban districts and 5 rural townships, identified several key issues. Nearly 90% of respondents believe their situation will improve in five years, and 73% are satisfied with the cultural, recreational, and sports facilities in their neighborhoods. However, 25% of young people report feeling lonely, 27% lost contact with most of their friends over the past year, and 40% spend more than 6 hours a day on their cellphones.

This highlights a disconnect between the opportunities and facilities available to young people and their ability to form meaningful relationships. Medellín's Secretary of Youth, Ricardo Jaramillo, acknowledges that the issue is more than just screen time, describing the situation as a "multiverse" where digital life is reshaping human connections.

While he refrains from demonizing technology, Jaramillo warns that digital platforms and constant exposure to stimuli can displace important social experiences that require effort, time, and tolerance for frustration. This global phenomenon, recognized by the World Health Organization, underscores the need for Medellín to investigate why more than half of its youth are spending excessive amounts of time on their devices without developing the deep, supportive relationships they need for well-being.