This essay is by Marina McPhail. Marina is Georgetown student who served as an intern to FGC in 2024. This essay shows the opinions of the author only. It does not represent view of FGC or Georgetown University

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Loneliness and anxiety have become increasingly pervasive challenges in contemporary society, particularly affecting young people in the United States. The rapid evolution of technology, changing social dynamics, and the impact of external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to a concerning rise in mental health struggles. This essay explores the multifaceted causes of loneliness and anxiety among young people, examining the societal, technological, and individual factors that contribute to this phenomenon. Beyond simply assessing the problem, I will explore how the Quaker practice of silent reflection could be a useful tool, especially for young people, to slow down in an overwhelmingly fast-paced world. I will reflect on my own experience practicing Quaker silence for the first time, and how the hour of mindful contemplation impacted my own mood and perspective.

The advent of social media promised unprecedented connectivity, yet paradoxically, it has been linked to increased feelings of loneliness and anxiety among young people. I admit that, personally, constant access to technology and virtually unlimited news media has increased my stress and worsened my ability to focus deeply. I realize that in moments of overwhelm, I often turn to my smartphone as a way to “turn my brain off” by scrolling aimlessly on social media.

While the intent of this exercise is self soothing, I often emerge from the experience with clouded and anxious thoughts. What’s more, for most people, myself included, constant exposure to curated online personas can create unrealistic expectations and exacerbate social comparison, leading to a sense of inadequacy. According to 2019 research by Jean Twenge at San Diego State University, the rise of social media has coincided with an increase in major depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts among adolescents. That’s not to say that social media and technology are wholly responsible for the increase in negative mental health symptoms experienced by youth, but they certainly play a large part in exacerbating existing stressors.

In addition to technology-enabled media and social stressors, the academic climate today is perhaps the most high-pressure that it ever has been for students. For young people today, the competitive nature of education systems contributes to heightened academic pressures and expectations. Rarely are teens encouraged to engage in creative endeavors with no means to an end; rarely are they encouraged to embrace silence, reflection, and rest. Students are pushed to chase the next achievement, facing intense competition in academics, scholarships, extracurriculars. Sports, once a place to release anxiety, have turned into yet another hyper-competitive race for excellence. These supposedly pro-social environments, school and athletics, have been injected with contemporary society’s frenetic obsession with productivity and perfection. As a student myself, I understand the mounting stress of academic, athletic, and social pressures.

Individual coping mechanisms play a pivotal role in mitigating or exacerbating loneliness and anxiety. Developing effective coping strategies is essential for long-term mental health. Strategies can be built in community or individually. However, I argue that open community dialogue and support around mental health and positive coping makes the process much easier and much more sustainable. Spiritual groups, like the Quakers, can provide a safe environment for young people to develop coping skills, and can support a gentle and healthy space for young people to begin their practice of reflection, healthy self-soothing, silence and meditation.

In addition to coping mechanisms, mental health literacy, or the knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders that aid in their recognition, management, and prevention, is crucial for empowering individuals to seek appropriate support and resources. Places of worship can build communities that foster open and honest discussions promoting the aforementioned mental health literacy. Candid discussion in Quaker meetings about sadness, joy, anxiety, and depression can help dissolve harmful stereotypes around mental health struggles. Holding these open conversations in places of spiritual worship legitimize their value as a necessary part of the human experience. Bringing together mental health care and prayer would also make the faith community a more relevant and accessible place for many young people.

The rise of loneliness and anxiety among young people in the United States is a complex issue influenced by the intersection of social, technological, and individual factors. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing comprehensive strategies to address mental health challenges. Social media’s impact on self-perception, unrelenting news media, and academic pressures contribute to the social landscape that shapes the mental health of all people, especially those in younger generations. Additionally, technological factors, such as screen time and constant comparison to media ideals, intersect with individual factors like identity formation and coping mechanisms. What’s more, the constant influx of media makes silent reflection hard to come by unless there is conscious effort made to facilitate its practice.

To address this pressing concern of youth mental health, a holistic approach is required. This includes promoting mental health literacy, fostering supportive family, social, and spiritual environments, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the negative impact of rapidly evolving technology. By recognizing and addressing the root causes of increased anxiety and depression and providing a safe space for healthy coping and social connection, spiritual communities can work towards fostering a generation that is resilient, connected, and equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

It’s important to be realistic in this effort. It is highly unlikely that all of the environmental triggers of the aforementioned mental health problems will disappear anytime soon. I argue that the most pragmatic approach to dealing with many of these issues is to cultivate an arsenal of healthy coping mechanisms, starting with intentional quiet reflection. After attending a Quaker meeting last week, I am convinced that Quaker silence is a highly effective practice for slowing down, reflecting, and soothing anxiety. If practiced regularly, with patience and grace, I believe it can be an accessible and useful tool for young people to center themselves in an increasingly frenzied world.

In the hustle and bustle of the modern world, where noise and constant stimulation have become the norm, the Quaker tradition of silent worship offers a unique approach to finding solace through silence. Rooted in the Quaker belief in the Inner Light, Quaker silence, also known as “waiting worship,” serves as a powerful tool for improving mood and alleviating anxiety. Quaker silence is not mere absence of noise; rather, it is an intentional and collective stillness that fosters a deep connection with one’s inner self and the divine. In the midst of this quietude, individuals are invited to turn inward, listen to their inner voices, and experience a profound sense of peace. I will admit, the one hour of silence was a challenge for me. Accustomed to a near constant flow of information and stimulation, the silence was unsettling. It took nearly thirty minutes for my mind to quiet and for me to sink into the quiet. However, what began as an uncomfortable fight with my thoughts eventually evolved into one of the most serene and gentle meditations I have ever experienced.

This single precious meeting got me thinking about the benefits of the practice for my contemporaries, and really anyone stuck in a cycle of media consumption, hyper-productivity, and constant stimulation. I firmly believe that for those grappling with the demands and stresses of daily life, incorporating Quaker silence into their routine could have transformative effects on mood. The practice allows individuals to step away from the constant barrage of external stimuli, creating a mental sanctuary where the mind can rest and rejuvenate. In this serene environment, the weight of anxieties often lessens as the individual connects with a sense of calm and inner strength.

After my hour of quietude, being welcomed back into the world with thoughtful discussion between my fellow worshipers made the transition from silence feel smooth and intentional. I was introduced to the people whom I had just shared my sacred quiet with, and was able to listen, more patiently and deeply than ever, to their thoughts and reflections. This communal aspect of Quaker silence added a unique dimension to the seemingly solitary meditation. When individuals come together in shared silence, a collective energy is formed, fostering a sense of unity and support. This shared quietude creates a space where people feel accepted without judgment, reducing feelings of isolation that often contribute to anxiety. Returning back to the shared space after and participation in respectful and honest discussion only add to the impact of the initial silent practice.

I was very curious about my transcendent experience during Quaker silence, wondering if the deep peace I encountered was unique, or if the unraveling of my free floating anxiety over the sixty minutes of silence was shared by most other people. Scientifically, the benefits of silence on mood and anxiety are well-documented. Research suggests that moments of quiet reflection can lower stress hormones, decrease blood pressure, and enhance overall emotional well-being. Quaker silence aligns with these findings, providing a structured yet flexible framework for individuals to cultivate mindfulness and emotional resilience. Quaker silence stands as a powerful and accessible tool for improving mood and reducing anxiety. I can attest to this claim personally. By embracing the tranquility within quietude, we can navigate life’s challenges with a newfound sense of calmness and inner strength. By relying on community in and outside of intentional silence, we can deepen the effects of this meditation, and build stronger relationships with ourselves and those around us.