Community has always played a critical role in human society, dating back to ancient times. Even millions of years ago, early humans would gather in groups, sharing vital resources with other members to enhance their chances of survival and strengthen bonds. The importance of community has always been central to the success of humanity.
Communities can create a sense of belonging, which is crucial for social connection and our mental health. Communities can also play an important role in shaping the way people think, collaborate, and approach their work. Seeking out communities in all aspects of life can improve your satisfaction, happiness, and overall experience, whether it’s in the workplace, at the gym, or at school. That’s why more institutions like Rockhurst University are taking a collaboration-centered approach to the online academic experience.
What Is a Community?
The word “community” is strange. You hear the word all the time, and it conveys a sense of togetherness, humanity, and positivity. You’ll hear it used by politicians, officials, and people in power, but you’ll rarely hear what they mean by “community,” as it can be hard to define.
The evolution of technology and the rise of the internet have also changed the concept of community. It’s now possible to find a sense of belonging with a few taps on a screen. A workable definition of community must account for all its different forms, from online groups and religious organizations to place-based communities like a university. It must also encompass the sense of identity, the importance of shared story, and the feeling of belonging that come with being part of a community. Finally, it must explain how communities differ from other social groups, such as families or friendship networks, while accounting for the fact that people can belong to multiple communities at the same time.
In short, a community is formed of people who share an identity-forming narrative. This means that it is a group of people who share a story that’s so valuable to them that it defines part of who they are. This then allows them to form connections and bonds through that shared story.
Community and the Internet
Historically, the definition of community described a group of people living in the same place and having a particular characteristic in common. However, in the modern digital age, there is now more to what “makes” a community than just physical locations and shared interests.
The rise of the internet and social media platforms has legitimized online groups as communities. Facebook alone has over 3 billion monthly active users and allows people to connect with others, interact with them, and bond over shared interests.
There are even platforms, such as Discord, that are specifically designed for users to find and create communities for shared interests. Discord facilitates this through real-time messaging and calls, scheduling events, and posting updates. Many in-person physical groups may also use digital tools to elevate their sense of belonging and stay connected even when apart.
How Communities Influence Us
Communities shape the way an individual lives, works, and thrives. Positive communities can benefit a person’s well-being, providing a sense of belonging and support. Similarly, negative groups can poorly impact a person’s sense of self and health.
There are several ways that a community can influence its members, through its shared values and beliefs, customs, emotional connections, social distribution of power, and shared spaces.
For example, the space that a community shares and occupies can influence a person’s mental health. Research has shown that a person’s surroundings can physically affect the neural pathways in the brain related to cognitive function, mood regulation, and stress (Norwood et al., 2019).
Studies have shown that spaces with minimal clutter can reduce stress and improve mood (Quinn, 2025). Other research has found that “green spaces,” areas filled with nature like gardens, can alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms (Barton & Rogerson, 2017).
The Impact of a Positive Community
Positive psychology’s founding fathers, Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, believed that the knowledge could be applied not only at an individual level, but also in communities. The two professionals believed that positive psychology’s concepts regarding developing positive individual traits, such as love, courage, and forgiveness, could be fostered through the power of community (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000).
Communities provide people with a safe space to develop and grow. Members can act as a support network for when someone needs encouragement or support. Being surrounded by other people can also help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.
For example, one study following the mental health of bisexual women participating in bisexual-specific communities 2 to 3 times per week helped reduce the impact of internalized negative attitudes (Lambe et al., 2017).
Community, Loneliness, and Well-Being
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that social isolation and loneliness are widespread issues, impacting around 16%, or one in six people, worldwide (World Health Organization, n.d.). There’s a large body of research reporting that isolation and loneliness can have a serious impact on a person’s physical and mental health.
While loneliness is currently most common among adolescents and younger people, people of all ages can experience it. The scale of the problem is significant, as the table below shows.
| Statistic | Figure |
|---|---|
| Global prevalence of loneliness | ~16% (1 in 6 people) |
| Estimated deaths linked to loneliness per hour | ~100 |
| Estimated annual deaths linked to loneliness | 871,000+ |
| U.S. age group with highest loneliness rates | 17โ22 (Generation Z) |
Statistics show that Americans between the ages of 17 and 22 experience higher rates of loneliness than any other population (Cardon, 2023). Generation Z is being dubbed the “loneliest generation” the world has ever seen, with high rates of loneliness contributing to increased risk of risky behaviors, like substance abuse.
Studies have shown that loneliness and social isolation increase the risk for various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cognitive decline (Xia & Li, 2018). These conditions can lead to premature death. Loneliness can also have a severe impact on mental health, with research showing that lonely people are twice as likely to get depressed, and more likely to experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide (Shoib et al., 2023).
Social connections through communities, alongside family and friendship networks, are critical for reducing the risk of loneliness and isolation. When people are actively involved in a social group, it can help strengthen the community by making it healthier and safer.
Sources
- Bowler, A. (2020). Isolation among Generation Z in the United States. Ballard Brief. https://ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/isolation-among-generation-z-in-the-united-states
- Barton, J., & Rogerson, M. (2017). The importance of greenspace for mental health.ย BJPsych international,ย 14(4), 79โ81. https://doi.org/10.1192/s2056474000002051
- Cardon, M. (2023). Isolation among Generation Z in the United States. Ballard Brief. https://ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/isolation-among-generation-z-in-the-united-states
- Lambe, J., Cerezo, A., & O’Shaughnessy, T. (2017). Minority stress, community involvement, and mental health among bisexual women. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 4(2), 218โ226. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000222
- Norwood, M. F., Lakhani, A., Maujean, A., Zeeman, H., Creux, O., & Kendall, E. (2019). Brain activity, underlying mood and the environment: A systematic review. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 65, Article 101321. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2019.101321
- Shoib, S., Amanda, T. W., Saeed, F., Ransing, R., Bhandari, S. S., Armiya’u, A. Y., Gรผrcan, A., & Chandradasa, M. (2023). Association Between Loneliness and Suicidal Behaviour: A Scoping Review. Yalnฤฑzlฤฑk ve รzkฤฑyฤฑm Davranฤฑลฤฑ Arasฤฑndaki ฤฐliลkinin Kapsam Derlemesi.ย Turk psikiyatri dergisi = Turkish journal of psychiatry,ย 34(2), 125โ132. https://doi.org/10.5080/u27080
- Seligman, M. E. P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55(1), 5โ14. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.5
- Quinn, F. (2025). Home clutter and mental well-being: Exploring moderators and the mediating role of home beauty. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 105, Article 102550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2025.102672
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Social isolation and loneliness. https://www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/demographic-change-and-healthy-ageing/social-isolation-and-loneliness
- Xia, N., & Li, H. (2018). Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Cardiovascular Health.ย Antioxidants & redox signaling,ย 28(9), 837โ851. https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2017.7312
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