A woman says society forces us to choose between community and routine.

Have you ever felt lonely? Not from time to time, but constantly disconnecting from others. There is a global epidemic of loneliness and, paradoxically, you are not alone in your loneliness. In fact, you might be interested to hear one woman’s explanation of this inevitable loneliness.

Content Creator Jordan Stacy took to TikTok to share her theory that our society is structured to force us to choose between community and routine, leading many to become isolated.

The woman suggested that our society forces us to choose between community and routine, which increases the feeling of loneliness.

Stacey began by stating that “community destroys routine, and routine is essential to late-stage capitalism.”

This means that the only way to maintain your lifestyle while working a 9-5 job is through strict planning, such as taking Pilates classes and meal prepping.

The woman argued that working full time forces many people to be isolated.

She argued that when living in a public space, you cannot maintain the same schedule as if you lived alone. Due to limited time and resources, most people live according to daily routines that do not include time to interact with others.

“A huge reason why I don’t like working full time is that I feel like I’m constantly choosing between community and routine,” she said. “Lonely people, those without connection or community, feel the need to choose routine over community.”

She advised people to always prioritize the community when it comes to this.

Capitalism really forces us into isolation.

According to Psychology TodayLoneliness is not an individual problem, but a social epidemic caused by capitalism.

This has caused us to suppress our need for community because since work is at the center of our lives, we plan every moment around it.

woman working late at her desk AlexanderNakich | Canva Pro

We must adhere to a strict daily routine in order to work long hours and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Even when the weekend provides an opportunity to socialize with others, many are deterred by the high cost of entertainment and the exhaustion after finishing a full week of work.

This leaves many wondering: how can we build community even though we still have to maintain a routine due to late stage capitalism?

The solution to the loneliness epidemic is to integrate community into routine.

Commentators have suggested that the way to balance the need for routine with the need for community is to combine them to the best of one’s ability.

For example, instead of cooking alone, invite friends to cook with you. Don’t run alone; train in a group.

Take what you usually do alone as part of your routine and change them a little so you can communicate with others.

The key is balance.

Don’t get so caught up in your routine that you isolate yourself in your own bubble, and don’t spread yourself too thin trying to connect with others and your well-being suffers.

You have to form the community necessary to survive in this society.

Sahla Syeda is a YourTango writer covering entertainment, news and human interest.