Loneliness has become one of the defining issues of our modern times, and it appears to have only intensified as technology, particularly social media, evolves. But as psychological research suggests, there may be ways to combat this pervasive feeling without cutting oneself off from valuable social connections.
According to the findings from the University of British Columbia, the way individuals engage with social media can play a bigger role on their mental health than the amount of time they spend scrolling through their feeds. This study led by Dr. Amori Mikami explored how different patterns of online engagement impacted feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among young adults.
The research included 393 Canadian young adults struggling with mental health issues and concerns about the effects of social media. Participants were divided among three distinct groups: one continued their usual social media usage, another was instructed to stop using social media altogether, and the final group received training on intentional usage.
The results were eye-opening. Both the group abstaining from social media and the tutorial group practicing more mindful engagement saw reduced feelings of loneliness, with the tutorial group also reporting fewer feelings of missing out on social events. Interestingly, the complete abstinence group managed to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression significantly but did not experience the same reduction in loneliness.
Dr. Mikami highlights the nuances involved: “Cutting off social media might reduce some of the pressures young adults feel around presenting curated images online. Yet, it may also strip away social interactions and lead to increased isolation.” The findings suggest perhaps there's no one-size-fits-all solution; each individual's relationship with social media might need unique adjustments to find balance.
This doesn’t mean everyone should log off completely. Instead, there is value in fostering healthier interactions with digital platforms. The tutorial group learned techniques for creating meaningful online connections—essentially using social media as a tool for support rather than comparison. They were encouraged to unfollow accounts linked to feelings of envy and limit interactions to those with significant emotional importance.
The research encourages young adults, who are often heavily influenced by online spaces, to rethink their engagement strategies. Instead of passive scrolling, they were urged to reach out, interact, and deepen their relationships through direct messaging or commenting, which can help reinforce social support.
But why does engagement matter so much? Simple: when individuals actively participate rather than just observe, they tend to forge bonds, maintain friendships, and reduce feelings of isolation. “For many young people, it’s not about logging off but leaning in. It’s about being engaged but thoughtfully,” suggests Dr. Mikami.
Beyond individual responsibility, the findings add layers to our collective approach to social media. They argue for the need to balance connectivity with mental health, illuminating possibilities for schools and mental health programs to facilitate workshops on using social media positively.
There are real, practical steps anyone can take to combat loneliness. More community-driven events could bridge gaps created both by personal choice and the nature of our increasingly digital world. For example, local organizations like First Parish Church in Framingham, MA, highlighted their book—“Solitude, Community, Hope”—as part of their initiative to address loneliness through literary reflection, offering people ways to connect offline.
Such gatherings could serve as significant lifelines for those who feel isolated, partially due to the strains of virtual living. Speaking at one of these events, member Lynne Damianos shared insights on the community’s efforts alongside host Dave Hornfischer, emphasizing the importance of open conversations about loneliness and social connection.
Overall, this push for community-focused solutions stands as proof of proactive attempts to tackle loneliness. Utilizing literature and discussion creates space for individuals to grapple with their feelings collectively, promoting healing through shared experience.
The dual approach of managing social media use along with reinforcing community connections could offer significant relief to many of those grappling with feelings of loneliness. By learning to use social media wisely and fostering real-world connections, individuals may find themselves not just surviving but thriving, moving toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.
