Why do we feel lonely?

What is the feeling of loneliness under a scientific perspective?

According to IFL Science, interaction with other objects is a very important thing in the society of higher animals such as humans, such as establishing relationships to share food and other resources. . Thus, being isolated in society will obviously bring a series of negative consequences that one of them is feeling lonely and lost. Now, scientists have found the subjective cause of loneliness. They reveal how a nervous system feels hurt and needs companionship and comfort.

The researchers conducted an experiment by confining a mouse into a separate room for 24 hours and then checking its brain transformation. They found that the connections of nerve cells in a temporary region called "raphe back nucleus" (DRN) were stronger than those that were not isolated. This makes them deduce that the neurological response creates loneliness related to DRN.

Neurological reactions create loneliness related to DRN.

To test this hypothesis, they repeated the experiment but differed in the fact that the animal was returned to social groups after 24 hours, while using a implant in the brain to monitor the change of the DRN. Research results have been reported in Cell magazine. They explain how the mouse wishes to return to the community after being quarantined and this is related to the increase in DRN activity.

The interesting thing is that this reaction is more pronounced for rats that are dominated by society, which means that the effects are not simply caused by the removal of stimuli (isolated from the living environment) but It is also influenced by the social nature of the individual's life. Rats with many relationships, many life experiences will find loneliness more than mice that are isolated from birth.

To verify this conclusion, the researchers conducted another test based on a technique called optogenetics (biological term refers to the use of light to control living tissues). Specifically, they will use optogenetics to inhibit the increase in DRN activity. Finally, they realized that when the DRN area was suppressed, the feeling of loneliness and the desire to return to the community also disappeared in those mice. Similarly, stimulating DRN will increase the feeling of loneliness of mice, including those who are not solitary.

Scientists have found the subjective cause of.

"This shows that nerve cells play a very important role in re-integrating the community after a period of isolation. When a person is isolated for a long time and then reunites with others. They will be very happy and have a mutation in social interaction. Studies in mice show that nerve cells are able to increase the motivation for social reintegration , " Kay Tye, one of the study author said.

Finally, the researchers placed mice in an environment that contained many chambers, one of which was equipped with flashing lights to stimulate DRN activity and they found that they always avoided stepping into chambers. this. Therefore, scientists conclude that increasing DRN activity will create an experience of vulnerability and this may be an important brain area that causes this state in humans.

Researchers are still continuing to test their hypotheses before final conclusions are reached.