In a recent article for The Guardian, author Olivia Laing explores how far-right groups weaponise loneliness to recruit individuals. Laing, known for her work on the politics of solitude, argues that feelings of isolation are deliberately targeted by extremist movements to foster allegiance.
Laing's analysis draws on historical and contemporary examples, noting that loneliness can make people more susceptible to simplistic narratives and group identities offered by far-right ideologies. She emphasizes that this is not a new phenomenon but one that has intensified with social media and economic precarity.
The article, published on June 6, 2026, has sparked discussion about the social responsibilities of tech platforms and community organizations. Laing calls for a collective response to loneliness that addresses its root causes rather than allowing it to be exploited.
