Our crisis is not loneliness but human beings becoming invisible

The essay argues that while loneliness is a widely discussed public health issue, the more pressing and often misdiagnosed problem is "depersonalization"—a profound feeling of invisibility and not being seen or heard by others. This crisis stems from factors like the standardization of interactions in service work, the exclusion of marginalized communities, and the pervasive use of screens, which foster a culture of "watchers" and "watched". The author contends that the focus on loneliness, particularly by tech companies, serves to market AI solutions like companion chatbots, which offer a mechanized and ultimately inadequate form of "recognition". True connection, as evidenced by the experiences of gig workers, patients, and healthcare professionals, requires genuine human interaction and the willingness to truly see and understand another person, even through their imperfections. To address depersonalization, the essay advocates for human-centered solutions such as investing in quality training and staffing in caring professions, fostering inclusive communities, and critically evaluating technology based on its impact on human relationships, rather than seeking to mechanize the essential human need for genuine connection.