Brazil voter abstention linked to loneliness and mental exhaustion

A new study titled ‘Termômetro do Bem Viver’, conducted by the Avaaz platform in partnership with Datafolha, suggests that loneliness, mental exhaustion, and digital dependency are driving electoral abstention in Brazil. The research indicates that approximately 30 million voters—nearly one-third of the electorate—have failed to vote in recent elections.

The study identifies a group of ‘unlinked’ individuals, comprising 47% of those surveyed, who rarely vote or have abandoned the polls entirely. Within this group, 44% are young people aged 18 to 34. Nana Queiroz, director of Avaaz’s Desapocalíptica Project, noted that these individuals often use social media and television as ‘anesthesia’ for their exhaustion, which can lead to increased isolation, hopelessness, and a sense of powerlessness regarding collective change.

In contrast, Brazilians with stronger community ties tend to view democracy as ‘non-negotiable’. The research highlights that a lack of community connection and distance from nature are key factors in political apathy. To address this, the study advocates for ‘Bem Viver’ (Well-Living) policies that promote social inclusion, access to culture, and contact with nature to restore mental health and civic engagement.