Loneliness has become a growing epidemic in the United States, with one in three Americans reporting “serious loneliness” in recent years. This isolation carries grave consequences, doubling the risk of depression and contributing to self-harm and suicide. In 2023, more than 50,000 Americans died by suicide, marking an all-time high.
Many blame the decline of face-to-face interaction and community engagement, replaced by the rise of online activity. Young adults aged 18 to 29 now spend over five hours a day on social media, a habit often linked to depression. Yet a new study from the University of Arkansas suggests that social media, when used to foster genuine connections, could help combat loneliness.
Quality vs quantity
The researchers explored how the quality of online friendships affects self-esteem and loneliness. They focused on trait self-esteem—stable, enduring self-worth—rather than the fleeting boost (state self-esteem) someone might get from a liked photo or comment.
The study surveyed 1,500 participants representative of U.S. demographics, with follow-ups six weeks later. Participants responded to statements like “I am a person of worth” and “I feel that I have a number of good qualities” on a five-point scale. They also rated feelings of isolation and the quality of their interactions on social networking sites, such as joking with friends or feeling camaraderie online.
The findings were mixed. Younger respondents, aged 18 to 39, reported higher-quality online friendships than older adults but also experienced lower self-esteem and greater loneliness. However, those who felt closeness and camaraderie through social media reported increased self-esteem that persisted for weeks, particularly among users under 61. This boost in self-esteem correlated with reduced loneliness, especially for younger adults.
Opposite effect
For users over 70, the effect reversed: closer digital friendships seemed to lower self-esteem. The researchers speculate that older adults may see online connections not as an addition to real-life relationships but as a substitute, leaving them feeling less fulfilled.
“Changes in personal networks—feeling closeness and camaraderie on social media—can increase feelings of self-worth and reduce social isolation over time,” the researchers explain. “Even though self-esteem is relatively stable throughout life, connecting with others remotely can still help people feel better about themselves and less lonely. This, in turn, may reduce the risk of self-harm and suicide.”
The study suggests practical interventions. Teaching best practices for building meaningful connections online—through high school, college, or adult education programs—could help individuals harness social media’s benefits while avoiding its pitfalls.
While social media is no panacea for loneliness, this research offers a glimmer of hope: used thoughtfully, it has the potential to strengthen connections and combat the isolation that plagues so many.
