In the culture wars of western societies, loneliness appears to have become a new battleground. A couple of months ago, a video of Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance went viral. In it, Mr Vance refers to "A bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they've made want to make the rest of the country miserable, too”.
As expected, the comments did not go down well with large sections of American society. One of the most public responses to Mr Vance came from a very public figure.
Taylor Swift, singer, songwriter and the world’s biggest pop star, posted a picture of herself with her cat and signed off her endorsement of the Democratic Presidential candidate, Kamala Harris aptly: “With love and hope, childless cat lady."
This might seem like political banter in a fraught American election campaign, but there is something far deeper and more dangerous being trivialised here, and that is the global epidemic of loneliness affecting both men and women.
According to a 2023 Gallup-Meta poll across 142 countries, nearly a quarter of people are experiencing feeling very or fairly lonely. Alarmingly, the highest rates of feeling lonely are reported among young adults (aged 19 to 29), with 27 per cent feeling very or fairly lonely. No surprise then that towards the end of last year, the World Health Organisation declared loneliness to be a pressing global health issue and launched a three-year international commission on social connection.
In older adults, loneliness is associated with a 50 per cent increased risk of developing dementia
It estimated that one in four older adults experience social isolation and between five and 15 per cent of adolescents experience loneliness. Rates in low-and middle-income countries are comparable or higher than in high-income countries.
We are increasingly familiar with the distressing mental health affects of loneliness, such as the risk of depression, anxiety and even suicide. Alongside these dangers, there are also very real social impacts: dropping out of school or poorer economic outcomes. There are also startling physical affects.
Loneliness in older adults is associated with a 50 per cent increased risk of developing dementia and a 30 per cent increased risk of coronary artery disease or stroke. These are very real risks of cognitive decline as well as reduced life expectancy.
According to Dr Vivek Murthy, the US Surgeon General, and who is leading the commission, the health risks are as bad as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and even greater than those associated with obesity and physical inactivity.
It is, simply put, an epidemic affecting all groups, regions and notably, both sexes. Into this scenario, enter the culture wars and their ruthlessness in weaponising the very real suffering of both men and women to create division with seemingly little care for solving this crisis. In fact the very opposite is true: the tools it uses actively harm the people suffering.
In the West, I have noticed that genders are at times pitted against each other: focusing pity for male loneliness epidemic versus derision and hatred for female loneliness. The thrust of this appears to be that women are bitter when they are lonely, but they are also to blame for male loneliness but also responsible for solving it and somehow thus should be demonised. The most troubling part of this characterisation is that it harms most the people it purports to help: men suffering from loneliness.
Instead of supporting men to develop their own tools and support networks and engage with services aiming to help them, agency is taken away from men and instead the problem is someone else's, in this case, women. This therefore harms men further because they move further away from seeking help and instead do not take agency to solve their very real and very damaging problems.
This draws on long-standing cultural mores about the role of men and women in fostering social connection anywhere in the world. For example, women in relationships take on the bulk of the work of maintaining connections with extended family and friend groups, organising events, gatherings and keeping the wheels of social convention oiled.
This is part of "mankeeping", a relatively new term that talks about the responsibilities that fall on women to manage men’s emotional health, social lives and prompting them to seek care. It also draws on pervasive ideas that a woman’s purpose and fulfilment only comes from being married. And that a man must be strong and unemotional and it is unmanly to seek help.
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In some sections of society, women who express loneliness can sometimes be portrayed as "desperate," which implies their loneliness is a personal failure and their only route to success is to be married. But women now, such as Taylor Swift, may lean into these narratives, using humour as empowerment, to reclaim their own independent identities.
For men, believing in misleading tropes of masculinity can lead to a vicious circle. Men’s loneliness is often labelled merely as them being "alphas" and "sigmas", while their counterparts, or "betas", signify vulnerability. The very traits men are told to embrace are the ones that harm them, preventing them from seeking help.
Loneliness is a deeply serious issue for anyone, men and women. It shows up in different ways, which means that we need to be alert to its weaponisation in cultural and political discourse. This needs collective attention and compassion, perhaps particularly for men who are being harmed by these narratives while trying to navigate their feelings of isolation.
The most beautiful and simple solution to the disconnection that culture wars try to exacerbate would be to reach across divides, talk to each other and create real human connection.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
The%20specs%20
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UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (c), Chamani Senevirathne (vc), Subha Srinivasan, NIsha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Esha Oza, Ishani Senevirathne, Heena Hotchandani, Keveesha Kumari, Judith Cleetus, Chavi Bhatt, Namita D’Souza.
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
The%20Beekeeper
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Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
The Year Earth Changed
Directed by:Tom Beard
Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough
Stars: 4
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 3.9 seconds
Price: Dh230,000
On sale: now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
CHELSEA SQUAD
Arrizabalaga, Bettinelli, Rudiger, Christensen, Silva, Chalobah, Sarr, Azpilicueta, James, Kenedy, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic, Saul, Barkley, Ziyech, Pulisic, Mount, Hudson-Odoi, Werner, Havertz, Lukaku.
RESULT
Manchester City 1 Sheffield United 0
Man City: Jesus (9')
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
ABU%20DHABI'S%20KEY%20TOURISM%20GOALS%3A%20BY%20THE%20NUMBERS
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Company%20Profile
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Company%20profile
%3Cp%3EName%3A%20Tabby%3Cbr%3EFounded%3A%20August%202019%3B%20platform%20went%20live%20in%20February%202020%3Cbr%3EFounder%2FCEO%3A%20Hosam%20Arab%2C%20co-founder%3A%20Daniil%20Barkalov%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20Payments%3Cbr%3ESize%3A%2040-50%20employees%3Cbr%3EStage%3A%20Series%20A%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Arbor%20Ventures%2C%20Mubadala%20Capital%2C%20Wamda%20Capital%2C%20STV%2C%20Raed%20Ventures%2C%20Global%20Founders%20Capital%2C%20JIMCO%2C%20Global%20Ventures%2C%20Venture%20Souq%2C%20Outliers%20VC%2C%20MSA%20Capital%2C%20HOF%20and%20AB%20Accelerator.%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
All about the Sevens
Cape Town Sevens on Saturday and Sunday: Pools A – South Africa, Kenya, France, Russia; B – New Zealand, Australia, Spain, United States; C – England, Scotland, Argentina, Uganda; D – Fiji, Samoa, Canada, Wales
HSBC World Sevens Series standing after first leg in Dubai 1 South Africa; 2 New Zealand; 3 England; 4 Fiji; 5 Australia; 6 Samoa; 7 Kenya; 8 Scotland; 9 France; 10 Spain; 11 Argentina; 12 Canada; 13 Wales; 14 Uganda; 15 United States; 16 Russia
