[graemep]

Why does the presence of multiple ethnic groups make facilities anonymous? That would only be true if people never knew anyone of a different "race".

Immigration is only relevant if immigrant communities do not integrate. If it was the cause then you would expect a strong correlation between loneliness and populations of immigrant origin. It certainly does not leap out from a quick look at the numbers: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbein...

The timing of the numbers in the paper do not match either. SOme of them happened in the last two years. A bit recent for desegregation to be a factor.

On the other hand the article does mention a lot of far more plausible possible causes: online only friendships, working hours, decline of religion etc.