Summary: "In his book, 'Loneliness', John Cacioppo says that transient loneliness is a normal state that everybody experiences at various points in their lives. Feeling acutely lonely as the result of something like the loss of a loved one is also a normal, natural part of life. But surprisingly, what his research revealed is that chronic loneliness -- a continuous feeling of being alone and/or unloved -- is actually on the rise in the United States. Despite a wide variety of activities and resources that enable us to stay constantly connected with others - from cell phones and texting to email, instant messaging and Skyping -- more and more people are feeling lonely, disconnected and isolated on a long-term basis. Why do so many of us feel so alone? Is there anything we can do about it?"
