“The Epidemic of Loneliness: A Nine-Year Longitudinal Study on the Impact of Passive and Active Social Media Use on Loneliness” delved into how social media use affects loneliness over time. The research unveils a startling reality: the platforms intended to connect us might be fostering an “epidemic of loneliness.”
The study’s findings revealed that both types of social media engagement—passive (PSMU) and active (ASMU)—are linked to increased loneliness as time progresses. Passive usage, characterised by browsing social media without engaging with content, predictably led to greater feelings of loneliness. Surprisingly, active engagement, which includes posting and interacting with others, also correlated with heightened loneliness. These outcomes hint that digital interactions might not satisfy the social necessities of direct, face-to-face communication.
Dr. James A. Roberts, the study’s leading researcher, highlighted social media’s intricate effects on mental health. “Social media provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with others online; however, it seems that both extensive active and passive use may not only fail to reduce feelings of loneliness but might actually exacerbate them,” explained Dr Roberts.
Additionally, the research identified a bidirectional relationship between loneliness and social media usage. Dr. Roberts noted, “There seems to be a persistent feedback loop between the two. Individuals feeling lonely might seek solace in social media, yet this form of engagement could potentially intensify the loneliness they experience.”
The findings underline the critical need for more comprehensive research into the ramifications of digital interactions, stressing the vital importance of personal connections in fostering well-being. This study contributes significantly to the ongoing discussion about the influence of digital habits on mental health, providing insights that could guide future mental health strategies, policies, and recommendations for a healthier approach to social media usage.
More information: James A. Roberts et al, The Epidemic of Loneliness: A 9-Year Longitudinal Study of the Impact of Passive and Active Social Media Use on Loneliness, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. DOI: 10.1177/01461672241295870
Journal information: Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin Provided by Baylor University
