Available open access digitally under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.


How do we hold onto friends and communities in a world that feels increasingly fragmented?


This timely collection explores how social connection unfolds across personal, physical, community and digital spaces. From loneliness to belonging, the collection explores the broader social forces that shape our interactions. Packed with fresh insights and accessible research, the contributors bridge theory and practice.


Offering practical strategies for policy and practice, this book charts paths to meaningful connection. An essential guide for policy makers, academics and anyone seeking deeper connections, it provides hope – and action – for a more connected future.

Contributions by: Earvin Cabalquinto, Jasmine Knox, Hannele Komu, Shannon Bennetts, Sharinne Crawford, Tiffani Howell, Fiona Giles, Kylie Burke, Marlee Bower, Caitlin Buckle, Jennifer Kent, Lily Teesson, Laura McGrath, Emily Rugel, Pildoo Sung, Nicholas Hookway, Zack Dwyer, Oksana Zaporozhets, Olga Brednikova, Nerkez Opacin, Nicholas Hill, Sarah Bekessy, Ian Seal, Jill Litt, Katherine Johnson, Simone Battiston, Damon Alexander, Tracy De Cotta, Annette Kroen, Andrew Butt, Jessica Franks, Barbara Barbosa Neves, Anthony McCosker