In some countries, more people are choosing to live alone nowadays than in the past.

Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Modern life indicates an increasing trend that more people seem to prefer living alone particularly in large cities in the developed world. This trend could have both positive and negative consequences in equal measure.

The rise in one-person households can be seen as positive for both personal and economic reasons. Firstly, on an individual level, people who choose to live alone may become more independent and self-reliant than those who live with family members because they have the freedom to take their own decisions. A young adult, who lives alone, for example, will need to learn to cook, clean, pay bills and manage his budget, all of which are valuable life skills. Secondly, from an economic perspective, such a trend will result in a greater demand for housing. This is likely to benefit the construction industry, estate agents and a whole host of other companies that rely on homeowners to buy their products or services.

However, there are opposing voices saying this trend is a negative development. To begin, individuals will tend to alienate from family and even experience feelings of loneliness, isolation and worry. When they get ill, it is difficult to get any help or they can miss out on the supportive conversation with family or flatmates. Next, from the financial point of view, a rise in demand for housing is likely to push up property prices and rents. While this may benefit some businesses, the general population, including those who live alone, will face rising living costs.

Conclusively, I assert that the increase in one-person households will have both beneficial and detrimental effects on individuals and on the economy.