Coping with Loneliness (IMAGE) University of Chicago Caption A new study finds evidence for a clever way that people use to alleviate loneliness: They create people in their surroundings to keep them company. Pictured above is Nicholas Epley, Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science, University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, who led the study. Credit Photo by Dan Dry Usage Restrictions This photograph may be used by news organizations in reports describing the research of Nicholas Epley and his colleagues. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.