Capitalism absolutely contributes to the loneliness crisis. For starters, it glorifies hyper-individualism, making it all about “every person for themselves” rather than fostering a sense of community or collective well-being. Stable, long-term jobs that used to provide social connections are being replaced by gig work and precarious employment, leaving people isolated and too burned out to build meaningful relationships outside work.

On top of that, capitalism pushes this idea that happiness comes from buying things instead of building connections. Social experiences are even commodified now—like dating apps and paid meetups—so relationships feel more like transactions. Cities, designed for profit, don’t help either. You’ve got people crammed into apartments, commuting for hours, and barely interacting with their neighbors. Public spaces that encourage connection are underfunded or replaced with malls and shopping centers.

And then there’s the mental health angle. Capitalism treats loneliness and isolation as individual problems, with solutions like therapy apps and self-help books—profitable industries—rather than addressing the systemic issues that cause them. Even social media, which could foster connection, is driven by algorithms that prioritize engagement over genuine interaction, leaving people feeling more disconnected after hours of scrolling.

At the end of the day, capitalism prioritizes profit over people. It’s no surprise that in a world focused on production, consumption, and competition, we’re all feeling so alone.