Too many Zooms, too little face time. Is remote work making us lonely?

USA Today's Jessica Guynn examines whether remote work fuels America's loneliness epidemic, anchored by a new Science study (NY Fed, UVA, Harvard; 588,000+ workers) finding remote-capable workers spend workdays alone, socialize less, and show higher distress, mental health visits, and antidepressant use — accounting for a third of rising mental distress since 2011, worst for those living alone. Critics including Nick Bloom cite randomized trials showing remote work improves well-being and argue choice is key. Experts like Ruth White and Brian Elliott say the answer isn't RTO mandates but intentionally designed connection — "purposeful doses of in-person time" like offsites and periodic gatherings