> The primary "Loneliness" epidemic that gets talked about today is basically just the mainstreamification of incel/4chan talking points.

How is associating an idea with some tiny subculture a worthwhile comment on its merits? Is the implication that social scientists and statisticians claiming a loneliness epidemic on the payroll of big incel? Or is the implication that if you want to discuss the fact that people are becoming more isolated, it means you're an incel?

> "Loneliness" is really trying to figure out why young men/women aren't dating, partying, doing drugs, etc.

These are indicators. Nobody (except the party supply industry or the alcohol industry) is talking about people not partying for the sake of the parties, or not doing drugs for the sake of the drugs. They're talking about it because lonely people are unhealthier and less happy.