Best Online Tools to Make You Less Lonely

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While few people can argue that the development of the internet and the advanced technology that accompanied it have made certain aspects of modern life much easier, this is not necessarily the case regarding socialization. Given the increasingly fractious and hostile nature of various social media platforms and the dehumanizing nature of technological isolation, seeking assistance for issues with loneliness online should be done with appropriate care and consideration. By knowing when and how to use the best online tools to make you less lonely, you can get the relief you need when you need it and in a manner that works best for you. 

Happify: for Stress & Worry 

If you prefer your mental health tools to come in the form of entertainment, then Happify: for Stress and Worry may be an excellent solution to issues with loneliness. Available in both free and premium versions, this app guides the user down various mental health "tracks," including Building Self Confidence, Coping Better With Stress, and Conquering Negative Thoughts. This is accomplished through scientifically based games, activities, and guided meditations which will help you when struggling with negative thoughts. 

Happify Plus is the app's premium version and offers users an impressive array of tools and services to help keep loneliness and other issues in check. These tools include access to over 65 tracks, unlimited usage of games and meditation, daily mental health tracking and comparisons, and a 20-page character report developed in conjunction with the VIA (Values In Action Inventory) Institute. 

Sanvello: Anxiety & Depression 

Taking an approach to mental health based on cognitive behavioral therapy, Sanvello: Anxiety & Depression offers users a plethora of choices to help address problems with loneliness and other mental health issues. Regardless of whether you can afford to see someone or if your insurance will cover a particular service, Sanvello provides users with both free and premium resources. From anonymous group chats and discussion boards, mental health assessment forms, and one-on-one messaging with a Sanvello Coach, you will be able to find the solution that works best for your mind and your budget. 

In addition to connecting you with millions of other Sanvello users, the app also offers a service called Sanvello Therapy which allows you to connect with a licensed clinician and mental health coaches and provides free access to self-care toolkits while the therapy progresses. With help, including thought reframing tools, guided journeys, coping mechanisms, and much more, Sanvello provides you with everything you need to start improving your mental health on your own terms.  

TalkLife 

Although it may seem like a bit of a cliché, you can often bare your soul to a complete stranger with much less trepidation than a close friend, family member, or loved one. Created with this principle firmly in mind, TalkLife allows you to chat with thousands of fellow users about whatever struggles and concerns you have. Given how powerful the feelings of being heard and having your problems acknowledged and empathized with can be, you can get an amazing amount of relief by talking things out with someone, no matter what time it is. 

Since users have the option to post anonymously or reveal information about themselves, you will be able to keep things as private or as personal as you want. You might even find that you can help someone else through a rough patch with your own experiences and insight, which can also help build self-esteem and a sense of community in meaningful ways. With strict policies and moderation in place to prevent harassment and cyberbullying, TalkLife can help you find the right user community for your needs, so you feel more supported and connected with others. 

WhatsApp 

Although one of the most commonly used apps for messaging others with end-to-end encryption may not seem like a tool meant to help with loneliness, it can provide you or someone you care about with a vital means of communication. Since WhatsApp is primarily known for allowing users to video chat, send pictures, text, and place phone calls for free, it can be life-changing for someone on a limited income. Without having to worry about paying for the ability to communicate with others so long as you have a decent internet connection, WhatsApp gives you a reliable means to chat with and contact friends, family, and loved ones. 

In the event that the time or location you find yourself in is not conducive to contacting a familiar face, WhatsApp has recently instituted a Communities feature to facilitate group discussions and interactions better. Communities can support up to 1,024 users in a single group and is designed to help people with common goals and interests form private groups, share information, and enjoy better communications overall. Although WhatsApp users cannot currently search for Communities like a Facebook Group and must be invited to join, administrators can send out links and other means of signing up to interested parties. Whether you are part of an existing business, looking to make professional connections, or simply get involved in your local community, WhatsApp may provide the means to accomplish all three. 

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with mental health issues like loneliness, these options should hopefully get you on the right track. Check out these tools and services to learn more about which has the ideal resources for your needs. 

About Dan Martin: Daniel Martin is a technology researcher and writer with more than a decade of experience. He is a professional librarian and an experienced tech teacher, writer and blogger. Specializing in technology, Dan has taught courses in technology and writing at the college level, developed web pages for businesses and higher educational institutions, written on tech topics for leading national publications and created numerous how-to guides.