The problem of loneliness has always been quite acute for representatives of different generations. But today, when most of the communication is moving online, this issue is becoming relevant with renewed vigor. Loneliness. Hopelessness. How often do we experience this condition? We live in a crazy, fast-changing world. We work hard and strive for material well-being. At the same time, such simple things as kindness, attention, friendly communication fade into the background. We have almost forgotten how to rejoice. At work - a computer, at home - TV. Mobile phone. Internet. Time slips through your fingers. On the one hand, friends and relatives who live far away become closer thanks to Skype, various instant messengers and social networks. On the other hand, we devote less and less time to live, direct communication. Have a heart-to-heart talk, it’s better to get to know the real interlocutor. Ask what the child dreams about and what worries him. What do elderly parents need? But, first of all, everyone, each of us needs care, warmth and understanding. Yes, it takes time and effort. And it is much easier to get involved in physical care of a person, household and work matters, rather than talk to him, listen and hear him. Often, parents work hard to earn the best for their children. And the child needs mom and dad to just walk with him in the park. And although he declares that he desperately needs that new toy or modern gadget, the time spent with a loved one still comes first. Time spent with quality and interest. It is the moments of communication with parents that the child will remember when he grows up. Dialogue in reality enriches the personality, develops observation and empathy. Virtual communication provides much less in this regard. The emotions of the interlocutor are not visible (they are partially replaced by emoticons, but this, in my opinion, is incomparable), intonations are not heard, sometimes it is difficult to understand the context, and irony and sarcasm are often either not noticed or are regarded as rudeness. How often when communicating live, interlocutors and then they look at the smartphone screen. Did a new message arrive, did anyone call, etc. Is this a way of protecting, of distancing? When a person is carried away by a conversation, he forgets about everything around him. And distraction separates and shows the interlocutor that he is not important, not interesting... Going online is not a solution, like any other addiction. This is replacement, replenishment, etc. Understanding what we do and why allows us to consciously build a life perspective. Many people fill the holes in their souls with technical and material innovations. But that doesn't help. They sit for hours in front of the computer, playing games, communicating on social networks, and most importantly, passing by. Some people throw themselves into work and solving the problems of other people. And loved ones fade into the background. Today they are already talking about online depression and loneliness. Understanding the specifics of these processes will lead to the emergence of new types of therapy aimed at acquiring the necessary life experience and developing the ability to maintain an optimal balance between the virtual and real world. The problem is not with the Internet, but with us. If you want, you can always find somewhere to escape from reality. Understanding what is important to us and what we want makes it possible to use all resources for our own benefit, including the possibilities of virtual communication.