This is easy to say when you are in a position of privilege and not in this situation, and have a big support group, family, etc. I don't really see where you are reading that they are craving attention either - learn to practice empathy.
The whole article is about how they were craving attention. Literally just read. They talk about how they expect someone to speak to them just because they have their earphones off at a gym then get disappointed when they didn't. Go workout, if people want to speak to you great, waiting for it makes you lonely in the worst kind of way.
I literally read it, and it's a description of someone very lonely that isn't comfortable approaching people in that setting and doesn't know how to make friends. Maybe they have anxiety, or are on the spectrum? It doesn't really matter. He wants to meet people. But even the most uncharitable reading does not support your point.