I am assuming direct control.
When I was younger, yes I would feel lonely. But, with the aid of books, I made these massive imaginary worlds in my mind where I would run off to and be the hero. I might have grown out of it, but I never forgot those imaginary buddies.
In the present day, I talk to my friends, and I always have the flood to talk to. Loneliness only ever gets to me when I find myself surrounded by people I don't know and/or couples.