1 in 6 people are lonely and the algorithm knows why

The take: Social media algorithms prioritize engagement metrics over user well-being outcomes.

What happened: On 3 November 2025, vulnerability researcher Brené Brown told The Diary of A CEO that algorithms powered by AI are "unbelievably addictive" and driving what she calls a "spiritual crisis" where people are "emotionally dysregulated, distrustful of each other, and disconnected."

Why it matters: The World Health Organisation reported in June 2025 that one in six people experience significant loneliness, with 63% of social media users reporting increased feelings of isolation.

What to watch: Legislative pushback is accelerating. Over 75 bills addressing algorithmic effects were introduced across 35 US states between 2023 and 2024, with multiple lawsuits alleging platforms knowingly designed addictive features that harm mental health.

[Analysis] The Diary of A CEO interview with Brené Brown. Published 3 November 2025.

The conversation covers Brown's two decades of research on vulnerability, shame, and human connection, with a focus on how digital platforms interact with emotional needs.

You were promised a connection. They sold you an attention economy instead.

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