Hidden Emotional Cost of Social Media: Study Finds
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A new study which investigated how social media use impacts loneliness over time suggested that the very platforms designed to bring us together contribute to an "epidemic of loneliness."
The findings showed that both passive (PSMU) and active (ASMU) social media use were associated with increased feelings of loneliness over time. While passive social media use—like browsing without interaction—predictable lead to heightened loneliness, active use, involving posting and engaging with others, was also linked to increased feelings of loneliness. These results suggest that the quality of digital interactions may not fulfill the social needs that are met in face-to-face communication.
The findings emphasize an urgent need for further research into the effects of digital interaction, underlining the essential role of in-person connections in supporting well-being. This study adds a valuable perspective to the conversation on how digital habits influence mental health, offering insights to shape future mental health initiatives, policies, and guidelines for healthier social media use.
“This research underscores the complexity of social media’s impact on mental health,” said primary investigator James A. Roberts, Ph.D. “While social media offers unprecedented access to online communities, it appears that extensive use—whether active or passive—does not alleviate feelings of loneliness and may, in fact, intensify them.”
The study also found a two-way relationship between loneliness and social media use. "It appears that a continuous feedback loop exists between the two,” Roberts, Ph.D. “Lonely people turn to social media to address their feelings, but such social media may use merely fans the flames of loneliness."
Reference: Roberts, J. A., Young, P. D., & David, M. E. (2025). 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, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/01461672241295870
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