Young People Report Unprecedented Levels of Isolation, New Survey Reveals

A growing mental health crisis among young people is being fueled by unprecedented levels of loneliness and emotional disconnection, according to a new international survey conducted by Hidden Strength, a free mental health support app designed specifically for youth.

The comprehensive survey collected responses from teenagers and young adults aged 14 to 24 across the United States and the United Kingdom. The findings are striking: 65% of respondents said they feel isolated and alone. While social media platforms offer constant digital interaction, many young people still report feeling emotionally unsupported and distanced from meaningful relationships.

This sense of disconnection is occurring despite the fact that this generation is more connected online than any before. Yet the rise of social media has not translated into stronger emotional bonds. In fact, some experts suggest that constant online interaction can intensify feelings of loneliness, especially when it replaces in-person contact or fosters unrealistic comparisons and curated personas.

The survey from Hidden Strength reflects these concerns. Many participants reported using platforms like TikTok and Instagram not just for entertainment, but as their primary source of mental health support. This growing reliance on social media for emotional guidance points to a significant gap in accessible, real-world mental health infrastructure.

Alongside feelings of isolation, the survey also uncovered additional warning signs: more than half of young respondents have had thoughts of self-harm, and many report being exposed to harmful content online that promotes or depicts self-injury. Despite the widespread nature of these challenges, young people often don’t know where to turn for trusted help, or fear being judged for seeking it.

Hidden Strength is trying to change that. The app provides access to mental health professionals as well as peer-to-peer support in a secure, anonymous setting. It also offers a “Help Zone” filled with resources, tips, and content aimed at helping young users manage anxiety, depression, and other common challenges. The model is designed to meet young people where they already are—on their phones—and provide immediate, stigma-free support.

The findings from this survey are part of a larger trend that researchers and educators are increasingly identifying: a mental health emergency among youth, exacerbated by pandemic-related disruptions, academic stress, and social isolation. School closures and the shift to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic separated many students from support systems and peers, and the long-term effects are still being felt.

Mental health experts say that this period of prolonged disruption weakened many young people’s sense of connection and community. Even as schools have reopened and social life has resumed, it hasn’t necessarily repaired the emotional toll. In fact, many young people say they still feel disconnected from those around them, including classmates, teachers, and family members.

The implications of this emotional isolation are far-reaching. Chronic loneliness has been linked to higher risks of depression, anxiety, and other long-term health conditions. For students, these emotional burdens can also affect academic performance, motivation, and engagement with school activities.

Hidden Strength’s survey also points to a potential solution: nearly 90% of respondents said they would consider using a free mental health support app. This openness to digital mental health tools shows promise, especially when those tools are built with youth input and adapted to their specific needs.

The company has worked with a youth advisory board to ensure the app resonates with young users and provides content that is both relevant and helpful. By listening to the voices of young people themselves, Hidden Strength has been able to quickly adjust and improve its offerings.

Ultimately, addressing youth loneliness and mental health struggles will require more than just technology. It demands systemic changes in how schools, families, and communities support emotional well-being. But digital platforms like Hidden Strength are proving to be an essential part of the solution—helping fill a void where traditional systems are falling short.

As feelings of isolation continue to rise, making accessible, judgment-free mental health support a priority may be one of the most critical investments we can make in the next generation.