Sara Konrath

Sara Konrath, assistant professor of philanthropic studies Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

A recent survey done by Cigna found that Americans — particularly young people — are lonely. Of the 20,000 participants, about half said they feel alone or left out always or sometimes.

But, one researcher says it’s not so simple. Indiana University professor Sara Konrath is researching empathy and social relationships for an upcoming book, and she says that Americans today are not necessarily feeling more lonely than in the past, but they are becoming more socially isolated.

Konrath spoke with The Show recently, and she started by explaining the difference between loneliness and social isolation.