Potential Substitute For Smoking As Scapegoat

[deathmetal]

New research shows that feeling lonely or socially isolated bumps up a person's average risk for coronary heart disease and stroke -- two of the developed world's most prolific killers -- by 50%.
As a risk factor for heart attack, clogged arteries or stroke, those statistics put loneliness on a par with light smoking, anxiety and occupational stress. And they make social isolation a more powerful predictor of such vascular diseases than are either high blood pressure or obesity.
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-loneliness-heart-risk-smoking-20160419-story.html

Maybe there's a new public enemy in town.

 

[mso489]

And pipe smoking can promote sociability, online but otherwise too. So, hmmm.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I'll smoke with anyone... well... not children... they don't get my sense of humor... the little creeps. ::

 

[mso489]

As a pipe smoker, I'm ready for some benign neglect. Maybe even let me smoke outside at a eatery or outdoor tavern ... dream on.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

MSO, try asking if you may enjoy your pipe. Avoid the word smoking. It's a trigger for idiots. I get permission to smoke my pipe almost anywhere outside, even Starbucks. They just say, as long as you're not smoking cigarettes... I just smile and say, "never." Puff puff...

 

[brian64]

Then again, there is the below study to consider:

Having lots of friends and socialising makes intelligent people miserable
A new study has found that for intelligent people, the more frequently they socialise with friends, the less satisfied they are with life.
The findings come from two evolutionary psychologists who challenge the modern view that the more social contact we have the happier we will likely be.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3504132/Why-smart-people-tend-loners-Having-lots-friends-socialising-makes-intelligent-people-miserable.html

 

[mayfair70]

brian64 - As an introvert I can attest that socializing with people (and squirrels) wears me out and I need time to decompress. It takes a lot of energy to hang out with normal folks and pretend I have any kind of social skills. Extroverts don't have as much trouble in this area.

 

[jefff]

I have often been alone...but never lonely.
I am odd
Also, I am an extrovert!

 

[gloucesterman]

I'm Grampy in an extended family environment. I often pray for some solitude!

 

[brian64]

brian64 - As an introvert I can attest that socializing with people (and squirrels) wears me out and I need time to decompress. It takes a lot of energy to hang out with normal folks and pretend I have any kind of social skills. Extroverts don't have as much trouble in this area.

I can relate in that social interaction with Earthlings is often an energy-draining experience. I wonder if there's ever been a study done on IQ levels of extroverts vs introverts...and if there is any statistically significant difference.

I'm Grampy in an extended family environment. I often pray for some solitude!

Solitude is generally underrated.

 

[deathmetal]

http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/
Much is explained by this.
I will say that if I lived in a smallish town or city, and could wander down to a local pub and hang out with you lot, I'd do that for socialization and throw the towel in on the rest.
But instead, we have the internet.

 

[perdurabo]

A study to make you feel terrible about not conforming to the masses. Will the Ministry of Science and Propaganda never stop.
How about this Great Ministry "I have no heart to lie, I can't pretend a stranger, Is a long-awaited friend" -Neal Peart

 

[deathmetal]

There is money made in selling fear. Yesterday, eggs. Today, smoking. Tomorrow? Loneliness -- so start spending money at restaurants and bars (advertisement paid for by the American Hospitality Industry).

 

[perdurabo]

You know the US Supreme Court allowed the Mandate for US Citizens to buy Insurance. Wow, What business wouldn't love that? What if you woke up tomorrow and you have been mandated to buy dinner at Your Local Longhorn Steakhouse? Be there at 6pm or you recieve a visit from your Local Gestapo(IRS) Represenative to steal your hard earned capital(PrivateProperty). Why you ask? In the Name of Socialization, so the government doesn't have to pay for your damn heart transplant. You see where this going? Just a matter of time. Back to the bunker, catch you on the other side of dystopia.

 

[deathmetal]

I'm just saving up to buy one of these to survive the inevitable downfall:

http://www.xenosystems.net/doctor-gno-ii/
That, and a giant stash of Irish Flake.

 

[macaroon]

I think you guys are looking at this from the wrong direction. This isn't like the ridiculous stories about bagels causing cancer from a while back. There is a very important difference between being alone, which can be refreshing and relaxing, and being lonely. Loneliness in this context is more akin to things like depression and stress, where your physical condition can start to reflect your psychological state. As such, the assumed causal connection described in the original post makes perfect sense to me.

 

[deathmetal]

As long as they blame it instead of pipe smoking, I'm happy.

 

[perdurabo]

Loneliness, I write better music when I'm lonely.

 

[didimauw]

Wait your telling me that some people actually spend time with...OTHER people? Weird, what's that like?