UA Little Rock Professor Creates Guide to Reduce Loneliness Through Positive Communication

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock professor believes the power of positive communication can help people combat loneliness.

“According to a Gallup poll, one in four people worldwide feel very lonely or fairly lonely,” said Dr. Julien Mirivel, professor of applied communication and author of “The Art of Positive Communication.” “In the United States, one in two adults report experiencing loneliness. That’s why my colleagues and I from the Positive Communication Network developed a short guide with eight tips to reduce loneliness through positive communication.”

Mirivel co-founded the Positive Communication Network in 2023, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering a community committed to creating a better social world through positive communication research, education, and practice.

The guide outlines eight key strategies:

1. Greet Others Warmly
2. Invite Connection Time
3. Ask Meaningful Questions
4. Be Present
5. Offer to Help Someone
6. Express Gratitude
7. Listen More Deeply
8. Savor the Moment

Mirivel highlights Tip No. 2, Invite Connection Time, as particularly important. This involves reaching out to others to create opportunities for social interaction, such as inviting a colleague for a walk at lunch.

“Communication is like a muscle—the lonelier you feel, the harder it is to take the first step,” Mirivel explained. “It’s not just about greeting people; you have to be the one who initiates connections. Adults used to attend more social gatherings, but that’s become less common. Sometimes, it’s as simple as inviting someone to lunch. I enjoy cooking, so I invited a couple of friends to prepare a meal together.”

He also emphasizes Tip No. 4, Be Present, as a crucial way to foster connections.

“You build relationships by being available and engaged,” he said. “If you’re standing in line at Starbucks looking at your phone, others can’t make eye contact with you, and you lose opportunities for connection. Studies show that the time teenagers spend with friends has decreased up to 70% in the last 15 to 20 years, partly due to social media. When interacting with others, minimize distractions. Be fully present—you’ll feel more curious, engaged, and connected.”

Despite his expertise in positive communication, Mirivel acknowledges that he, too, has experienced loneliness and works to apply these principles in his own life.

“Everyone goes through periods of loneliness, and I have to be intentional about making positive changes,” he said. “I practice all eight tips—I’ve become more active in groups, manage a Saturday morning tennis league, started a cooking club with friends, and founded the Positive Communication Network. I’ve learned to be the initiator rather than waiting for an invitation. My goal is to cultivate meaningful relationships.”

For those looking to be more social and less lonely, Mirivel suggests:

• Making eye contact, smiling, and greeting people throughout the day
• Putting away your phone in public spaces and starting a conversation instead
• Scheduling recurring lunch meetings with friends and relatives
• Organizing group activities such as a cooking night, movie night, book club, or sports gathering

“You have to think of it as a journey,” Mirivel said. “You can’t expect one action to eliminate loneliness overnight. It’s the small, consistent choices that shape your experience. Sometimes we prioritize work or social media over relationships, but every decision matters. What you do daily builds the foundation for meaningful connections.”

One of the ways Mirivel fosters connection is by collaborating more in his research and professional projects.

“A big change from 10 years ago is that I collaborate much more,” he said. “My last three books have been co-authored, which has introduced me to new people and maintained meaningful friendships along the way. The Positive Communication Network is not just about research—it’s about forming relationships and making meaningful connections.”

To encourage connection among students, Mirivel requires his online students to set up a Zoom

meeting with a classmate.

“This is one of their favorite assignments,” he said. “Many online students never meet their classmates, and it can feel isolating. But we have the technology to help them connect, and this small step makes a big difference.”

You can find the full guide here. The Positive Communication Network team that contributed to the guide includes Kristen Christman (University of North Carolina at Greensboro), Ryan Fuller (Sacramento State University), Phillip Glenn (Emerson College), Margaret Pitts (University of Arizona), Thomas Socha (Old Dominion University), and Amy Young (University of Michigan).