Key Takeaways:
- 90 million eligible voters didn’t cast ballots in the 2024 election.
- Loneliness and social isolation are linked to low voter turnout.
- Gen Z, despite being highly connected online, feels lonely and disconnected.
- A new film explores the struggles of loneliness and the power of human connection.
A Divided Nation: The 2024 Election Results
Seven months after the 2024 election, the U.S. is still divided. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris received 49% and 48% of the vote, respectively. But the biggest story isn’t who won—it’s who didn’t vote at all. Nearly 90 million qualified voters stayed home, a number larger than the votes either candidate received.
Why does this matter? Because when millions of people don’t participate in elections, it raises questions about the health of our democracy. The focus shouldn’t just be on who won or lost. It should also be on why so many people felt disconnected from the process.
Loneliness: A Silent Crisis in America
Researchers are pointing to a surprising reason for low voter turnout: loneliness. Loneliness isn’t just about feeling sad or alone. It’s a deep sense of disconnection from others and society. Studies show that lonely people are less likely to vote because they feel their voices don’t matter.
Imagine feeling so disconnected from the world that you don’t think your vote counts. That’s what millions of Americans are experiencing. Loneliness is like a heavy weight that keeps people from engaging in civic duties, including voting.
This isn’t just an American problem. In Europe, studies show that lonely people are less likely to participate in elections. But there’s a twist: when political actions offer a sense of belonging, lonely people may get involved. This could explain why some turn to extremist groups that promise community and purpose.
Gen Z: Lonely in a Hyper-Connected World
Gen Z is the most online generation in history, but they’re also the loneliest. Nearly a third of young people say they “always” feel lonely. Despite being connected to social media 24/7, they’re struggling to feel truly seen and heard.
This loneliness is showing up in their voting habits. Even though young people care deeply about issues like climate change, more than half didn’t vote in the last election. Why? Because they feel disconnected from the political process and unsure if their votes matter.
Social media might be part of the problem. While it keeps people connected online, it can also create a false sense of community. Instead of meaningful, in-person interactions, young people are left with likes and comments that don’t fill the void of loneliness.
A Film About Loneliness—and Hope
Just Add Water, a new indie film, offers a fresh take on loneliness. The movie follows a young woman searching for connection in a world that feels overwhelming. She dances alone in her room, posts personal ads, and even talks to a virtual pet named Molly.
The film’s director, Renee Simone, knows loneliness firsthand. She made the movie after experiencing deep isolation herself. “Loneliness felt like a failure,” she said. But through the film, she learned that loneliness is a universal experience—and that it’s possible to find hope and connection.
The movie is funny, relatable, and heartbreaking. It reminds us that loneliness isn’t forever. Simone hopes her film will inspire people to put down their phones and reconnect with the world—and with each other.
The Way Forward
The 2024 election revealed a harsh truth: millions of Americans feel so disconnected that they didn’t bother to vote. But there’s hope. By addressing loneliness and fostering meaningful connections, we can rebuild trust in our democracy and inspire people to participate.
The next step? It starts with small acts of courage. Putting down our phones. Showing up in person. And remembering that our voices matter—both in the voting booth and in our communities.
If we can address the root causes of loneliness, we might just save our democracy—and ourselves—in the process.