First the prescription: If you're physically able, get out and talk to your neighbors, take part in a church function, or volunteer at a charity event. Instead of clicking the "Like" button on Facebook, respond to the post with a quick but personal message.

Why?

The use of technology is having an adverse effect: We're increasingly becoming a nation of very lonely people. In a decade, the number of lonely people, aged 45 or older, jumped 15 percent.

In the Atlantic Magazine, writer Stephen Marche looks specifically at how Facebook has increased loneliness. The long and short is that depending how you use technology, you can increase your likeliness of being lonely.

Make no mistake, loneliness is very, very bad for your health. But you can do something about it. (See paragraph one.)