Social media promises connection, yet a study from Baylor University suggests it may do the opposite. The more time people spend online, the lonelier they may feel.

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 7,000 Dutch adults over nine years to examine how digital habits affect well-being. They found that both passive and active social media use were linked to greater loneliness over time.

Increasing isolation

Scrolling without interaction made people feel isolated, as expected—but even posting and engaging with others failed to ease loneliness and often made it worse. The study suggests that online interactions may not satisfy the social needs met by face-to-face communication.

“This research highlights the complexity of social media’s impact on mental health,” the authors explain. “While these platforms provide access to online communities, extensive use—whether active or passive—does not appear to reduce loneliness and may, in fact, deepen it.”

A negative feedback loop

The study also found a feedback loop: lonely people turn to social media for connection, but their use may reinforce their isolation.

These findings underscore the importance of in-person interactions in maintaining well-being. As concerns over digital habits grow, this research adds to the debate on social media’s role in mental health, offering insights for future policies and guidelines on healthier online engagement.