Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider

for years now.

He sees social isolation as a public health crisis that can be just as deadly as heavy tobacco use.

And we're going to talk about how we got here.

Dr. Murthy and I are going to talk about social media and how our digital lives are reshaping our relationships offline.

We'll also explore some small and practical tips we can all take to rebuild connection and strengthen our well-being this new year, starting today.

Then after the interview, stick around for a TED-Ed lesson on what happens to your brain without any social contact.

But before we dive in, a quick break to hear from our sponsors.

Dr. Murthy, thank you so much for being here with us on TED Health.

So today we are digging into a topic that I know that you know well, social connection and loneliness.

We use the word lonely pretty casually now, but from a public health standpoint, what does loneliness actually mean?

And how is it different from simply being alone?

Yeah, I think that framing really helps to ground us.

And you've called loneliness an epidemic.

For people who might hear that and think, how does something emotional turn into a public health issue?

What does the science actually show about its impact on the body, like our heart and our brain and even the immune system?

I am certainly heartened by the fact that we're now making these connections, sharing this critically important data.

It really certainly hits home for me.

Vivek, can you share a story either from your time as Surgeon General or maybe from your own life that changed the way that you think about social connection and health?

I think a lot of people will recognize themselves in that.

I certainly see myself.