I can agree with that, at least partially. Without other relationships to feel the void, one is stuck in isolation. Culturally, there's too much emphasis and importance placed on romantic relationships to cover every fulfill every single emotional need. It's not practicle or sustainable on the face of it.

That said, I don't think the current levels of despair and hopelessness are rising strictly from lack of intimacy, if that's what you meant (it was a little unclear).

No doubt, having strong bonds can help you be resilient in the face of thinfs that cause feelings of hopelessness and despair.

That said, maybe it's too much again to look to those relationships as a fix all or a panacea rather than addressing the real problems of economic woes, uncertainty of the future, turmoil, etc.