The topic receives constant media attention and is frequently labelled a crisis. However, while loneliness can cause deep distress, several common beliefs about it are misleading.

Reported by the BBC, here are five myths and what research actually shows.

1) Loneliness simply means being alone

Being alone and feeling lonely are not the same thing.

Loneliness is an emotional state. It happens when people feel disconnected or believe they lack meaningful relationships. Someone can feel lonely in a crowded room, yet perfectly content spending time by themselves.

When the BBC conducted its 2016 Rest Test, most of the top restful activities were solitary, such as reading or listening to music. Solitude itself is not the issue. Loneliness tends to arise when people want connection but cannot find it.

2) We are facing an unprecedented loneliness crisis

The idea of a loneliness epidemic is widespread, but long-term studies suggest the situation is more stable than many assume.

Research tracking older adults since the mid-20th century shows that the percentage reporting chronic loneliness has remained relatively steady, usually between 6 percent and 13 percent. This does not mean loneliness is insignificant. It affects millions. However, it may not be increasing dramatically.

What has changed is population size. As the number of people grows, so does the total number experiencing loneliness, even if the proportion stays similar.

3) Loneliness is always harmful

Loneliness can be painful, but it is not automatically negative. In many cases it is temporary and may even serve a purpose.

Social neuroscientist John Cacioppo suggested that loneliness works like thirst. If you feel thirsty, you look for water. If you feel lonely, you seek social connection. For much of human history, belonging to a group was essential for survival. A signal that encourages reconnection would have been beneficial.

The danger appears when loneliness becomes long term. Chronic loneliness is linked to lower wellbeing, disrupted sleep and increased sadness. It can also create a cycle in which people withdraw socially, which then deepens their isolation. Studies show that feeling lonely can raise the likelihood of depressive symptoms later on.

4) Loneliness directly causes poor health

Statistics often link loneliness to health risks. Some reviews suggest it may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, and it has been associated with higher blood pressure and reduced life expectancy.

The relationship, however, is complex. Many studies cannot clearly prove cause and effect.

It is possible that loneliness contributes to illness. It is also possible that existing health problems lead people to withdraw socially, increasing loneliness. Reduced motivation to exercise or maintain healthy habits may also play a role. The connection likely works in more than one direction.

5) Most older people are lonely

Loneliness is frequently portrayed as a problem of old age. While some older adults do experience it, research shows that adolescence is another peak period.

In fact, studies indicate that between 50 percent and 60 percent of older people do not report frequent loneliness. The stereotype of the universally isolated elderly person does not reflect the full picture.

What we still do not know

Despite extensive research, loneliness is not fully understood. Scientists are still exploring why some people are more vulnerable and which solutions truly work.

To address these questions, the BBC launched the BBC Loneliness Experiment with psychologists from the Universities of Manchester, Brunel and Exeter, alongside the Wellcome Collection. The aim was to gather insights from people of all ages, whether lonely or not, in order to better understand friendship, trust and meaningful connection.

Loneliness may not be a brand-new epidemic. Even so, understanding it more clearly remains one of the most important social challenges of our time.