Is social media making people lonelier?

Research on the relationship between social media use and loneliness presents a nuanced picture. Several studies have found that heavy or excessive use of social media can be linked to increased feelings of loneliness, especially when it replaces face-to-face interactions or leads to negative social comparisons. For example, scrolling through curated images and posts of others’ seemingly perfect lives can sometimes make users feel inadequate or isolated, which may contribute to loneliness. However, other research suggests that social media can also help reduce loneliness by enabling people to stay connected with friends and family, especially those who are geographically distant or have limited mobility. The effects often depend on how social media is used: active engagement (such as messaging, commenting, and meaningful interactions) tends to be associated with better social well-being, while passive consumption (like just scrolling without interaction) may be linked to negative outcomes. In summary, while there is evidence of a link between heavy social media use and feelings of loneliness, the impact varies widely depending on individual usage patterns, personality, and social context. Moderation and mindful use of social media, focusing on genuine connections rather than passive browsing, are generally recommended to minimize negative effects on loneliness.