Gen Z & Lonely In The Philippines: Why Do Filipino Youths Feel So Alone? | Insight | Full Episode

I think there's a reason for that : 1. We Filipinos are communal, but we lack great spaces for us to bond like green spaces, public parks etc. We only have malls and hostile concrete jungle plus, ineffective public transpo. Seems like good urban planning will affect an individual's mindset after all 2. Our current socio-political environment. Most Filipino youths (even millennials) felt distrust and disillusionment towards the establishment and institutions. A rude awakening for them that in our environment, we are here just to survive, not living. We can't find any reason to love our country because how messy our socio-political dynamics until now. 3. Some parts of Filipino culture emphasized collectivism, extreme conformism and stigma, we don't have room for comprehensive understanding, personal growth, boundaries, social transparency and rationality. 4. Most Filipinos use social media A LOT because there's lack of "third spaces" or coping mechanism to beat boredom. Maybe social media usage will be fine if its done in moderation. 5. Disillusionment with religion.

Can't say for the entire country but the way Metro Manila is laid out mean there's a shortage of so called "third spaces", that and our horrible transportation system means spontaneous connections simply doesn't happen for the majority.

Because investing emotions in someone is very exhausting, especially when they don't connect with you or don't care at all. The burden we carry as millennials and Gen Z in building our future is massive. We have to work harder just to build our future, but it will never be enough. The pandemic has triggered this isolation even more, and we found happiness and connection through social media. The sad part is, once you get used to being alone, it will be difficult to socialize with others. So you tend to stay at home or in your room.

Dati sobrang friendly ko, kaso dahil rin sa mga naging kaibigan na-stress din ako. Kaya mas pinili ko liitan yung mundo ko pagdating sa pakikipag-friends. Ngayon mas tahimik at nakakatipid pa ako sa pera. Maganda pa rin naman na may nakakausap ka paminsan-minsan, pero hindi kasi lahat mapagkakatiwalaan mo.

I'm an introvert and asocial. I was born to be a loner, having a happy solitary life. I'm a lone wolf but not miserable man. I don't feel depressed at all. I'm happy to be alone. I have only few trusted friends.

I am grateful for being an introvert, as extroversion has become a skill I've mastered. This means loneliness is never an issue for me.

Im a filipino and base on my observation. It is due to lack of socialization or physical activity with their friends. Social Media is a big impact on the new generation because they are not active in a real world or reality.

I guess its time we people embrace loneliness and not incorporate it to the dark side... Like people nowadays tend to love being alone ... Less drama, less hassle, less everything. Loneliness is a cure not a disease that we need to treat. Let us enjoy our solitude alone.... Not all will agree but yeah embrace loneliness ❤

Watching this documentary has truly opened my eyes. I used to consider myself a friend of loneliness, but thankfully, I am saved most of the time by the grace of God.

Filipinos are naturally sociable but the pandemic prevented many young people from enjoying school and social life.

I'm a teenager in 1980's in the Philippines but the word loneliness is an alien word for us .

Being alone its not mean that you are lonely. Sadyang may mga tao talaga na mas gusto nila ang mapag isa kaysa makikisama sa mga taong toxic sa kapaligiran nila, lalo na kung ang mga taong nakaka salamuha mo ay wala namang magagandang maiidulot sayo kundi puro lakwatsa at inuman lang ang nasa isip, ikaw na may gusto magandang gawin sa buhay mo bakit ka makikisama sa kanila kaya mas gusto mo pang mapag isa atleast may oras kapa lalo sa sarili mo at magagawa mo ang mga bagay na may kabuluhan sa buhay mo.

This is why I have utmost disgust to corrupt politicians in the country. They failed the Filipinos that we decided to go abroad and separate from our (my) kids, just provide food on the table. I just had a lengthy discussion with my daughter just a few hours ago. She is clinically depressed on medications, been studying online, and is going to have a F2F classes in a few days and so scared of the possibility of rejection. I remind her to be positive and find friends. I always teach/remind her of the concept of "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz that tackles with self awareness and peace within one self (I highly recommend this book). I always teach her the consequences of her actions and inactions to certain scenarios, and taking responsibility. I believe, boosting the confidence of our children is the best way for them to move forward in the toxic information age that we are right now.

Too much time alone with social media… lacking true human touch, human interaction.. real life human warmth. its alright to feel lonely but know that you are loved and never alone.. but no one can help unless you decide to truly help urself, life is good.. you are beautiful, your life is waiting to happen. Go out and explore the world around you, expand your circle and experience life. Keep going, keep moving.. you are strong & God loves you.

Metro Manila does not represent the entirety of the Philippines. Rather, the Philippines encompasses Metro Manila among its regions. Numerous beaches and tourist attractions exist in other areas, contributing to a vibrant and joyful atmosphere.

Being alone and lonely is rather different from being isolated. You have had to learn to be alone not to get isolated from social life. I often exercise and reading. But I also need to detach myself from too much digital stuff. one example I ditched FB as soon as i found someone boast of their large number of friends.

Maybe this can help someone: I don't feel lonely even when i am alone or isolated, I talk and think to myself, is like there's me (conscious) and another me (subconscious). Something like 2 captains piloting a ship. I talk to the other captain when i am bored or alone but this is not bipolar or a disorder. It is that I am happy being me, I have accepted who I am, and journey life with my subconscious self. Two captains working together in the same ship

With how this country is being run, how can you be truly happy?

It's very weird as a Filipino. Our culture is probably the most extroverted in Southeast Asia. In fact, as an introvert, I find it uncomfortable. So I was surprised to hear about this. Maybe it's this extroverted and communal culture that is driving loneliness itself? Since I often think that people want to be with their friends to not feel lonely but once they go home, this feeling of loneliness is severe. Perhaps Filipinos should learn to be more introspective and learn how being alone doesn't mean being lonely.

I think what Filipino Gen Z's challenge now is to stop creating unrealistic expectations. They need to get a grab of reality. Truth is not everybody is going to get a slice of the pie. Life is hard, but slowly it will get better, the more you focus to make it better.