Collecting objects can be a symptom of loneliness, study finds

Many people have developed the habit of collect objects of various natures, from books and stamps to coins and toys. For some, the search for these items comes from the desire to have a piece of history in their hands, but in other cases the motivation is different.

That's the subject of recent research that questioned why people collect things. The result of the study suggests that the main reason is loneliness. See more details.

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loneliness epidemic

Never before has so much loneliness been seen among human beings, although ironically we are in the midst of a technological world full of tools created to bring people together. But what we have seen is quite different: a world of individuals increasingly isolated from their peers.

In this context, a

2018 study indicated that a common habit among human beings who are in a quest to alleviate the effects of loneliness is consumerism. The researchers suggested that people who feel lonely try to reduce the symptom of isolation by purchasing products, including collecting some of them.

The study also explained that people perceived as loners tend to give objects human characteristics, as if they could serve as companionship. This behavior demonstrates that there is a desire to find someone to interact with, even if this interaction is merely imaginary.

The age of consumerism

While more and more people feel lonely, advertisements and advertisements for different types of products that aim to bring personal satisfaction multiply. Those responsible for the research believe that capitalism has already assimilated that people want to alleviate the symptoms of loneliness by acquiring objects.

Faced with this situation, we are faced with the growth of specific commemorative dates for consumption, such as Black Friday. However, studies indicate that what is most necessary at this historical moment is contact with other people, that is, maintaining friendships and other types of relationships.

Although the task is quite arduous, especially in times of technological advancement, one must remember that no object can replace human contact.