Visible But Lonely: An Investigation of the Relationship Between University Students' Social Media Use and Online Loneliness
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.University students
Area Of Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Media Studies
Background
- Social media is prevalent among university students.
- Understanding the link between social media use and virtual loneliness is crucial for student well-being.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the relationship between social media usage habits and motivations and virtual loneliness in university students.
- To identify factors contributing to virtual loneliness among this demographic.
Main Methods
- A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 2480 university students.
- Data collected using the Virtual Environment Loneliness Scale (VELS) and the Social Media Use Habits and Motivations Scale (SMUHMS).
- Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and regression tests.
Main Results
- High social media use and moderate virtual loneliness were reported.
- A significant positive correlation exists between social media use and virtual loneliness.
- Female students used social media more, while male students experienced greater virtual loneliness. Students aged 18-24, with highly educated parents, and those spending 6+ hours daily on social media reported higher levels of both.
- Social media habits and motivations explained 21% of the variance in virtual loneliness.
Conclusions
- Conscious social media usage strategies are needed to foster meaningful online relationships.
- Interventions promoting digital awareness and face-to-face interactions are essential to mitigate virtual loneliness in university students.
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