We live in one of the most connected times in history. We can text instantly, video call from almost anywhere, and communicate across the world. Yet many Americans still feel alone.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 3 U.S. adults report feeling lonely, while about 1 in 4 report lacking social and emotional support.
Loneliness isn’t simply about being physically alone. It’s about lacking the meaningful relationships, belonging, and connection we need.
Being Alone and Feeling Lonely Are Different
Someone can live alone and feel deeply connected to family, friends, and community. Another person can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely.
The CDC describes social isolation as having limited relationships or contact with others, while loneliness is the feeling of being alone or disconnected—or not having the meaningful relationships we want.
The quality of our relationships matters.
Research summarized by the CDC has associated loneliness and social isolation with increased risks of several physical and mental health problems. While companionship doesn’t prevent or treat these conditions, the research reinforces a simple truth:
Social connection matters to our well-being.
Families Can’t Always Be There
The need for connection is especially visible among families and caregivers.
The 2025 Caregiving in the U.S. report from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving estimates that 63 million Americans—nearly 1 in 4 adults—provide ongoing care for another person, including approximately 59 million caring for another adult.
These numbers represent families balancing work, children, finances, distance, and the needs of someone they love.
A daughter may live three states away from her mother. A son may visit his father every weekend but wonder who he talks to during the week. A spouse caring for a partner may need an afternoon for themselves. Someone recovering at home may have excellent medical care but still spend long periods without company.
Families can love someone deeply and still not be available every hour.
Sometimes a person simply needs another human being.
Companionship Can Be Simple
Companionship doesn’t require an extraordinary experience. It might mean:
• having coffee or sharing a meal;
• taking a walk;
• playing cards or a favorite game;
• visiting a museum or attending an activity;
• talking about books, music, movies, or life;
• accompanying someone somewhere;
• connecting virtually; or
• simply sitting together.
These ordinary moments can be deeply meaningful when shared with another person.
Companionship Is Not Caregiving
A companion doesn’t replace a doctor, nurse, therapist, home health professional, or family caregiver.
Companionship is about human presence—spending time together, pursuing interests, having conversations, and sharing experiences.
Wanting companionship doesn’t mean someone has lost their independence. It can help people continue living life on their own terms, with someone by their side.
Technology Can Help People Find Each Other
Technology helps us find transportation, restaurants, entertainment, services, and information. We believe it can also help people find each other.
A technology-enabled marketplace can make it easier to discover companions based on interests, preferences, availability, location, language, and the kind of connection someone seeks.
But technology should remain in the background.
The human connection should be the experience.
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly capable of conversation, this distinction matters even more. AI can help organize information, improve matching, facilitate communication, and simplify access—but it shouldn’t replace human companionship.
Technology can facilitate human connection without replacing the human being.
Why We Are Building SitByYou
SitByYou is built around a simple belief:
Everyone deserves a companion.
We are creating a technology-enabled marketplace that makes human companionship easier to discover and access—virtually and in person.
Our vision isn’t to replace families, friendships, or professional care. It’s to expand the circle of human connection.
A companion might be someone to talk with, share an activity with, accompany you somewhere, or simply be present.
In an increasingly automated and digital world, one of the most meaningful things one person can give another remains remarkably simple:
Our time.
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Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Social Connection and Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness
The CDC provides national information about loneliness, social isolation, social connection, and associated health risks.
AARP & National Alliance for Caregiving
Caregiving in the U.S. 2025
The national study estimates that approximately 63 million Americans provide ongoing care, including approximately 59 million caring for another adult.