More SNS Use Leads to Greater Loneliness? Research Results Revealed

The paradox of social media loneliness.

People tend to turn to social media when they are bored and lonely.

However, research shows that the more frequently individuals share their daily lives and actively communicate, the more likely they are to feel lonely.

A research team at Seoul National University analyzed the relationship between social media usage patterns and loneliness among approximately 34,000 adults living in Seoul.

Among active social media users, 30% responded that they feel lonely, a higher percentage than that of less active users.

In particular, the rate of reporting loneliness was higher when individuals compared themselves to others or experienced a sense of exclusion on social media.

On the other hand, when social media was used for the purpose of gathering information, the correlation with loneliness was not significant.

The research team explained that this trend was more pronounced among those in their 60s and older.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.