I’ve read that loneliness is now being considered a public health issue in some countries. Should brands—especially digital ones—do anything about it? Or is that out of their lane?

Funny enough, some already are. There’s this article that digs into how loneliness is influencing product design: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/02/06/the-emergence-of-digital-intimacy-and-what-it-means-for-businesses/?sh=207c00474c06. Dmitry Volkov talks about using social platforms to provide comfort and reduce isolation, not just connect people. If a brand can help someone feel less alone, that creates loyalty on a whole different level.