Antarctica showed: in isolation, it’s not loneliness that’s more dangerous, but constant proximity.

Twelve participants completed questionnaires about loneliness, trust, conflicts, and cohesion four times over the course of 10 months. At the same time, they wore sensors that automatically recorded who spent time with whom and for how long.

The main and rather unexpected result: more contact did not mean more support. On the contrary, those who were more frequently in close proximity to others more often reported an increase in conflicts and distrust, as well as a decline in their own effectiveness. In a confined space, constant proximity itself becomes a source of pressure. Loneliness is hard, but the lack of an opportunity to be alone is just as difficult.

According to the sensor data, over time the crew began to split into smaller groups. People increasingly spent time with those who spoke the same language or came from the same country. Such mini‑groups provided a sense of support, but at the same time weakened the unity of the entire team.

The authors emphasize: these are correlations, not direct proof of causation. It is possible that those who felt worse sought out more social interaction themselves. Nevertheless, the conclusion has practical value. For future missions to the Moon and Mars, it is important to plan in advance not only measures to counteract loneliness but also opportunities for privacy and ways to manage group dynamics. The same applies to submarines, oil platforms, and other closed teams.

Sources:

1. University of Zurich. “Scientists tracked 12 people in Antarctica for 10 months—what happened could shape future Mars missions.” ScienceDaily (7 August 2026).
2. Cantisani A. et al. “Social interactions in isolated, confined, and extreme environments: A study of Antarctic winter teams using wearable sensors.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2026). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2533420123.