[sirohsis144]

Is this statement always true?

It's possible for some people to feel more alone in groups, especially large groups, than it is for them to feel lonely while reading a book. Maybe one of the main reasons fiction is so appealing to some people is because it does, on a certain level, combat loneliness - some things seem easier to talk about in fiction than in real life.

[t0bia_s]

You could forget about loneliness while reading a book, however it does not change fact that you reding it alone.

[sirohsis144]

sure, but loneliness and being physically alone are arguably two totally separate things.