Are volunteers lonely?

When I saw this video on Big Think, it made me think more about my post from yesterday, Are you a member or a volunteer? You see, I've always thought of volunteering as being a rather lonely sport as someone looks for a cause or group to support; searching for somewhere to fit in. Finding the right group, joining, belonging, and being accepted represents success.

According to John Cacioppo, Neuroscientist, University of Chicago, perhaps loneliness is a chosen pursuit. He says, "Since the latter half of the 20th century, the US has been moving towards greater individualism."

If we no longer need a group to build our self esteem, then we have to begin to imagine why we might need others in our lives. Some basic reasons that come to mind for me are collaboration and procreation. Please take a look at Mr. Cacioppo's video and share your thoughts. Why do we need others in our lives? Why do we think we can do it all alone when there are so many that can help? Do you think that online communities are leading to more sharing and collaboration? Are you more or less likely to join a physical or online  group of like-minded people?