FamilyLife Today® Why am I So Lonely? Real Talk on Deeper, Healing Connections - Shelby Abbott
Feb 18, 2026
Shelby Abbott, author and campus ministry leader who writes on loneliness and faith, shares lived experience and pastoral perspective. He explores tech-driven superficiality and why social media feels like a hollow substitute. He discusses authenticity students crave, building honest friendships, prayer and practical rhythms that help move from surface-level living to deeper belonging.
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Loneliness Is A Serious Public-Health Issue
- Loneliness has measurable health risks comparable to heavy smoking.
- Technology promises connection but often increases isolation by replacing real interaction.
Social Media Hooks Attention, Not Connection
- Social media shifted from connection to attention-driven entertainment and functions like gambling.
- That change hooks users but reduces meaningful, nourishing relationships.
Younger People Prefer Authentic Mentors
- Younger people often prefer authenticity over polished presentation in spiritual communities.
- They want mentors who admit flaws and model real growth rather than staged perfection.
