I personally couldn't live without people. If I lived alone I would be dead already. A lot of the reason I even eat and get out of bed is so that my roommates won't question me. It's very important for me to be recognized and loved. As for my own experience, I have been rejected from a lot of people (I think most people have experienced it before). We have been bullied and viciously scarred by many people and will continue to be for the rest of our lives but the people who do love us make it easier. I think, for someone like me, what I really need is the hope to find new friends and make my own community to feel better.

But as for being deprived of those feelings. Studies have shown that you need to be shown love to be able to love yourself and etc. (I don't remember from where so this could have been proven false by now) But yes, I believe human contact is crucial. Babies need... 5 (?) positive touches a day and I know I work better when I get hugs. Some people don't enjoy human contact and prefer to become hermits but that is definitely not the majority.