
WYP - S3:E1 - The Loneliness Epidemic
Welcome to Season 3 of What's Your Problem? We are thrilled to kick off the new season by welcoming our brand-new co-host, Instructional Designer Blair Stamper, to the mic! This week, Jason, Kaylynn, Bernadette, and Blair tackle a sobering reality in higher education: the Loneliness Epidemic. With 57% of college students reporting feelings of loneliness, and distance learning sometimes exacerbating the issue, how can Instructional Designers create authentic, human connections in a digital world? The team shares their own personal stories of isolation, debates whether AI chatbot companions are a cure or a dangerous crutch, and brainstorms actionable ID solutions from rethinking the dreaded high-stakes discussion board to building cohort-based communities. Tune in to find out how we can design the loneliness out of distance learning! References "Is Student Loneliness the New Normal?" Inside Higher Ed , 11 Feb. 2026, https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/health-wellness/2026/02/11/student-loneliness-new-normal . style.mla "Can AI companionship cure loneliness – or deepen it?" Horizons from PBS News , Rocky Mountain PBS, Season 2026, Episode 7, https://www.rmpbs.org/shows/horizons/episodes/can-ai-companionship-cure-loneliness-or-deepen-it-ay69fh . owl.purdue "Filipinos spend more time than global average on social media." Campaign Asia , 5 Feb. 2025, https://www.campaignasia.com/article/filipinos-spend-more-time-than-global-average-on-social-media/jzis9koymcsceocdmk4kap67p1













