Survey Ranks New York Male Loneliness at Midpoint

A national report highlights widespread isolation among men and the barriers they face when seeking emotional support.

Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Friendships

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of an empty office chair facing a dark night window, depicting the theme of male social isolation. — A recent national survey ranks New York 26th for male loneliness, as 58% of state respondents report persistent feelings of social isolation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you feel men face unique obstacles when seeking emotional support for loneliness?

A new survey of 3,004 men across the United States ranks New York 26th for male loneliness, with 58% of state respondents reporting frequent feelings of isolation. Louisiana holds the highest rate of loneliness in the country at 83%.

Why it matters

The study reveals significant hurdles to mental wellness, as 20% of men fear burdening others and 15% cite embarrassment when discussing loneliness. Many men instead turn to work to avoid empty homes, with 41% staying late to escape isolation.

Nationwide, 38% of men report a high likelihood of turning to a friend for emotional support, while 33% of licensed psychologists report patients using AI to assist with therapy. Additionally, 20% of all participants lack a person they feel comfortable confiding in.

The players

A Mission for Michael

This mental health treatment center commissioned the research firm Cherry Data Signals to conduct the national study on male loneliness.

Cherry Data Signals

This research firm surveyed 3,004 men across the United States to gather data on social isolation and emotional support habits.

The details

While 36% of respondents prefer a spouse or partner for support, 17% identify long working hours as a primary driver of their isolation. The data suggests that workplace presence often serves as a proxy for avoiding personal disconnection.

2025: Pew Research Center study on friend support conducted.
2026: American Psychological Association survey of psychologists conducted.
October 2026: AMFM survey findings released.

Culture Shift

The findings mirror a broader societal evolution in how men seek emotional support, moving away from traditional expectations of self-reliance. This trend aligns with the 2025 Pew Research Center report on emotional support, which tracks how men increasingly navigate the complexities of social connection in an era of digital and AI-assisted therapy.

The data suggests that many men face significant social barriers that may require intentional changes to daily routines, such as proactively seeking support networks outside of the workplace. Readers may find that addressing the stigma of emotional disclosure could help mitigate the isolation currently felt by a majority of men.

The takeaway

Recognizing the commonality of loneliness is the first step toward breaking the cycle of isolation. Implementing small, consistent efforts to share feelings with friends or professionals can significantly reduce the tendency to rely on work as an avoidance mechanism.