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ROLCAM · Feb 9, 2010, 09:08 AM

Is this a true fact?
Please share your experiences.

NeedKarma · Feb 9, 2010, 09:11 AM

No, that statement fails logically.

thisisit · Feb 9, 2010, 09:40 AM

Actually, a recent study, by John Cacioppo of the University of Chicago found that loneliness is contagious. Here is a link to Science News where you can read more about it: Loneliness Is Contagious, Study Suggests - Science News

NeedKarma · Feb 9, 2010, 09:49 AM

That study is odd to say the least. It also mentions that not all scientists are sold on the methodology used. It appears that lonely people make loose ties with others of their kind then cut those ties.

Wondergirl · Feb 9, 2010, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by thisisit

Actually, a recent study, by John Cacioppo of the University of Chicago found that loneliness is contagious. Here is a link to Science News where you can read more about it: Loneliness Is Contagious, Study Suggests - Science News

Lots of "can"s and "suggest"s in that article. I don't believe the conclusion, "leaving their former friends less well-connected and more likely to mistrust the world themselves," is what happens. My observation has been that "former friends" cement the current positive relationships they have and move into new positive ones.

thisisit · Feb 9, 2010, 10:12 AM

My opinion is that unless someone is suffering from depression, loneliness is a choice. But, I also believe that people who suffer from boredom are, themselves, boring.

Wondergirl · Feb 9, 2010, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by thisisit

my personal opinion is that unless someone is suffering from depression, loneliness is a choice. But, I also believe that people who suffer from boredom are, themselves, boring.

And your conclusion from those two opinions is..

thisisit · Feb 9, 2010, 10:29 AM

Those are my observations wondergirl, I haven't come to many conclusions yet :)

Wondergirl · Feb 9, 2010, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by thisisit

those are my observations wondergirl, I haven't come to many conclusions yet :)

Do you think people want to hang around with people who are lonely and boring? The article "suggests" yes, they do and then become lonely and boring too.

NeedKarma · Feb 9, 2010, 10:38 AM

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Do you think people want to hang around with people who are lonely and boring? The article "suggests" yes, they do and then become lonely and boring too.

That's the take I got from it too.
Perhaps rolcam will return to the thread and offer some insights as to why he/she is asking the question.

spitvenom · Feb 9, 2010, 10:43 AM

I don't know maybe I am making this to simple but if you are around someone doesn't that mean you aren't lonely anymore? I don't know if I even know what Loneliness feels like. I always have people around me if I want them there or not. Even if I want to be alone people still find me.

thisisit · Feb 9, 2010, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Do you think people want to hang around with people who are lonely and boring? The article "suggests" yes, they do and then become lonely and boring too.

No, in fact, I don't think that. However, there are instances where people don't have a choice as to who they interact with, such as at work or within a family. In those situations, sometimes some people allow other's moods to rub off, or, for instance: The boss is having a bad day and is acting out. It will affect some employees in a negative way, others will let it all roll off their back.

NeedKarma · Feb 9, 2010, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by thisisit

No, in fact, I don't think that. However, there are instances where people don't have a choice as to who they interact with, such as at work or within a family. In those situations, sometimes some people allow other's moods to rub off, or, for instance: The boss is having a bad day and is acting out. It will affect some employees in a negative way, others will let it all roll off their back.

Ah, then that becomes a different study: people who are easily affected by the moods of others. :)

Wondergirl · Feb 9, 2010, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by thisisit

No, in fact, I don't think that. However, there are instances where people don't have a choice as to who they interact with, such as at work or within a family. In those situations, sometimes some people allow other's moods to rub off, or, for instance: The boss is having a bad day and is acting out. It will affect some employees in a negative way, others will let it all roll off their back.

Do you think those people who let negative moods rub off on them become negative themselves?

thisisit · Feb 9, 2010, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Do you think those people who let negative moods rub off on them become negative themselves?

That woud depend on the person

Wondergirl · Feb 9, 2010, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by thisisit

That woud depend on the person

Aha! Was that mentioned in the study?

thisisit · Feb 9, 2010, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Do you think those people who let negative moods rub off on them become negative themselves?

I'm sorry, did I knock a chip off your shoulder? If so, please excuse my clumsiness. I was answering a post from Rolcam which states: "Loneliness Can Be Contagious !!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Is this a true fact?
Please share your experiences."

I provided a link to a study about loneliness and its contagiousness, that's all. I did not create the study, I did not make the claim that loneliness is contagious or not. Just gave a link to a study that pertained to OP.

NeedKarma · Feb 9, 2010, 11:48 AM

Is happiness contagious? I think so but happy people are usually out around other people whereas lonely people often wallow in their loneliness by themselves. That was the point of my first response to this question.

Where's the OP anyway?

Wondergirl · Feb 9, 2010, 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by NeedKarma

Where's the OP anyway?

When I said:

Wondergirl agrees: Rolcam is a he, have known him for years. He's maybe 6-7 hrs. ahead of us

I probably meant behind us? (I get soooo confused.) He's to the east in Europe somewhere.

NeedKarma · Feb 9, 2010, 12:27 PM

Oh crap you're right. His profile says he's Aussie.