Social Media Can Be the Reason Why You Feel Lonely.
You wouldn’t think that something that keeps us all connected breeds loneliness, but new research suggests that social media may be what makes you feel more isolated.
The study, led by Brian Primack , director of the Center for Media, Technology and Health Research at the University of Pittsburgh, found that young people who spend more than two hours a day on social media perceive themselves to be more socially isolated than those who spent on social media. the same platforms for half an hour or less. Instead of experiencing a general sense of well-being after interacting with people online, the participants were faced with the opposite. They felt left out and alone.
Primack and colleagues aren’t sure what the direct cause is, but they speculate it might have something to do with how other people interact with each other. Everyone else seems to be plugging in, spinning the ball, and living on it while you scroll through your feed. Feelings of loneliness can also encourage people to use social media more, which is nourishing in itself. You feel lonely, go to social media and then feel more alone, so spend more time with them. This is not all to say that you should ditch your social media accounts, but it is good food for thought. If you are feeling lonely, consider cutting down on social media rather than using it more.
Social Media Use and Perceived Social Isolation Among US Young People | American Journal of Preventive Medicine via NPR Shots