How social media is helping people find friendships and fight loneliness [Video]

FRESNO, Calif. — The U.S. Surgeon General is warning people about the dangers of loneliness.

He says that one in two adults feels isolated and that it’s a national epidemic affecting people from all backgrounds.

Francis Torres Garcia is originally from Tijuana. She moved to Clovis from Chicago several years ago, and before that, she lived in San Diego.

Making the adjustment to the Central Valley from big-city life was challenging. The feeling of loneliness quickly sunk in.

“You have to really be working on that and be aware of that,” said Francis. “Look for the tools. Find the tools that will not get you into that hole.”

Francis used Meet Up to expand her social circle in each city she moved to.

According to Meet Up’s website, its mission is to help people foster connections. Francis uses it to teach yoga and find others who share her interests.

“It’s just something that …