Studies have reported that people who
excessively use the Internet, spend less time interacting face to face
, which in turn results in depression and loneliness [25]. … Loneliness is not only associated with social media disorder, rather with other mental health problems.
In sharp contrast, other studies have demonstrated that
social media use may help people to decrease their sense of loneliness
(86) while increasing their perceived social support, self-esteem, happiness, and satisfaction (87, 88).
A new study by the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania found that teens who use
social media heavily are 3 times as likely to feel socially isolated
. … This can cause a teen to feel even more alone than before, leading lower confidence and motivation to engage in social interactions.
How does technology affect loneliness?
For example, one study of nearly 600 older adults—led by Michigan State University psychologist William Chopik, PhD—found that
social technology use, including email, Facebook, online video services such as Skype
and instant messaging, was linked to lower levels of loneliness, better self-rated health and fewer chronic …
The study found an increasing correlation between social media usage and feelings of loneliness.
Seven out of 10 heavy social media users, 71%
, reported feelings of loneliness, up from 53% a year ago. That compares to 51% of light social media users feeling lonely, up from 47% a year ago.
- Inadequacy about your life or appearance. …
- Fear of missing out (FOMO). …
- Isolation. …
- Depression and anxiety. …
- Cyberbullying. …
- Self-absorption. …
- A fear of missing out (FOMO) can keep you returning to social media over and over again.
- Lacks Emotional Connection. …
- Gives People a License to be Hurtful. …
- Decreases Face-to-Face Communication Skills. …
- Conveys Inauthentic Expression of Feelings. …
- Diminishes Understanding and Thoughtfulness. …
- Causes Face-to-Face Interactions to Feel Disconnected. …
- Facilitates Laziness.
Does technology make us feel less lonely?
Studies warn that relying on technology to communicate can reduce our enjoyment of face-to-face interactions, make us feel more anxious, and undermine our mental wellbeing. … A TalkTalk report found that
half of young people think technology makes them feel less lonely
, yet only a quarter of their parents agree.
Do cell phones promote loneliness?
The findings of some studies have indicated that problematic use of mobile phones has negative effects.. … Jin and Park (2012) found that more face-to-face interactions were associated with lower levels of loneliness; however,
more cell phone calling was associated with greater loneliness
.
Does technology make us lazy?
In truth, technology has made a whole lot of difference in our society, but
it has also transformed humans into lazy-bones
, too. These days, people don’t need to run errands anymore; they literally push a button on their phone (another product of tech) and have most of the human’s first world problems solved.
What are the side effects of loneliness?
- Depression.
- Sleep disorders.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Heart disease.
- High blood pressure.
- Mental health and emotional problems.
- Substance use.
Does Facebook make you lonely?
The study therefore demonstrates that Facebook users who
ruminate and compare themselves to their perceived superiors on Facebook are more likely to experience loneliness
. Suggested solutions include raising awareness and using algorithms on Facebook to deliver targeted interventions.
- cyberbullying (bullying using digital technology)
- invasion of privacy.
- identity theft.
- your child seeing offensive images and messages.
- the presence of strangers who may be there to ‘groom’ other members.
Studies have shown that increased use of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok is leading to
depression, anxiety, and loneliness
. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only pushed more people to the platforms but has also caused people to spend unusual amounts of time cruising their feeds.
| Pros Cons | Put yourself out there in a good way Posting inappropriate statuses/pictures | Connect with students in other educational systems Making people feel bad about themselves | Make new friends/communicate or connect with old friends/family Cyberbullying |
|---|
A new study has concluded that social media, along with television and video games, are not only a huge part of the average American’s life but
are responsible for thousands of wasted hours
. The study, conducted by PlayUSA, found that the average Amerian spends 1,471 hours (61 days) watching TV per year.
