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College Loneliness Linked to Heavy Social Media Use
16 Feb
Summary
- Two hours of daily social media use increases loneliness risk.
- Heaviest users (30+ hours weekly) were 38% more likely to feel lonely.
- Colleges should educate students on social media's negative effects.
New research indicates a strong correlation between extensive social media usage and heightened feelings of loneliness among U.S. college students. A study involving almost 65,000 students across over 120 colleges revealed that a mere two hours of daily social media engagement is enough to elevate loneliness risk.
The findings are particularly striking for those who spend upwards of 30 hours per week on these platforms, reporting a 38% greater likelihood of experiencing loneliness. This trend highlights a growing concern, as loneliness is linked to serious health issues, including depression and premature death.
Researchers suggest a reciprocal relationship where excessive social media use fuels loneliness, and loneliness, in turn, drives more platform engagement. To address this, the study's authors advocate for academic institutions to proactively educate students about the adverse impacts of prolonged social media consumption and promote participation in on-campus social activities to foster genuine connections.
