In recent years, the feeling of loneliness has become increasingly prevalent among residents of the United States. According to recent studies, one-third of Americans have reported experiencing significant loneliness, which marks a notable increase compared to previous periods. This trend is worrying to experts as loneliness is not only an emotional state but also a factor that can lead to serious health issues.

Loneliness and its impact on mental health

People who feel lonely are twice as likely to develop depression. In addition, loneliness is recognized as a key risk factor for self-harm and suicide. Statistics show that in 2023, the United States saw a record number of suicides, with over 50,000 cases. These figures highlight the urgent need to address the problem of loneliness at the national level.

The impact of social media on feelings of loneliness

In today's digital age, many people spend a significant portion of their time on social media platforms. Young Americans aged 18 to 29 now spend over five hours a day on these platforms. Although social media allows people to connect with friends and family, research suggests that excessive use may be linked to increased feelings of loneliness and depression.

The quality of friendships on social media

Despite the negative aspects, motivated use of social media for connecting with people and fostering a sense of community can help alleviate loneliness. A study published in the journal "Telematics and Informatics" examined the impact of the quality of friendships on social media on long-term self-esteem and loneliness. The study included 1,500 participants who answered questions about their self-esteem, feelings of isolation, and the quality of friendships on social media.

Research findings

The results showed that younger participants, aged 18 to 39, reported higher quality friendships on social media compared to people over 50. However, younger respondents also reported lower self-esteem and higher rates of loneliness. Those who felt closeness and a sense of community with other social media users had higher self-esteem even six weeks later, and this effect was significant for users up to 61 years old.

Older generations and digital friendships

For people over 70, an increase in closeness on social media was associated with a decrease in self-esteem. This may suggest that older users view digital friendships more as a replacement for real-life connections rather than as a complement to them. These findings suggest that changes in personal networks, such as feelings of closeness and community with other social media users, can lead to an increase in self-worth and a decrease in perceived social isolation over time.

Recommendations for using social media

Although self-esteem remains mostly stable throughout life, connecting with others and feeling a sense of community, even at a distance, can improve confidence and reduce feelings of loneliness, which theoretically lowers the risk of self-harm and suicide. These results point to the need for education on safe and effective use of social media to establish new and diverse connections. Programs in high schools, colleges, and for adults could be a good starting point.

Encouraging real social connections

Although the question of how to best encourage these friendships was not the focus of the study, other research suggests that joining groups based on hobbies and interests unrelated to politics can help. Using shared interests to make connections on social media can help users initially overlook other differences, allowing the expansion of personal networks and potentially contributing to a sense of community. Connecting with people based on common interests can be used to encourage real social engagement and a more diverse social community.