Among young adults, those who most frequently use social media are more likely to feel socially isolated than are less frequent users, according to results of a survey of almost 1,800 respondents.
Adults aged 19-32 years who were in the highest quartile of social media use – 58 or more times a week – had an adjusted odds ratio of 3.4 for perceived social isolation, compared with those in the lowest quartile, who reported using social media less than 9 times a week, said Brian A. Primack, MD, PhD, of the University of Pittsburgh and his associates (Am J Prev Med. 2017 Mar 6. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2017.01.010).
“We are inherently social creatures, but modern life tends to compartmentalize us instead of bringing us together. While it may seem that social media presents opportunities to fill that social void, I think this study suggests that it may not be the solution people were hoping for,” Dr. Primack said in a separate written statement.
The cross-sectional survey was conducted in October and November 2014, and the 11 social media platforms included were Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, Vine, Snapchat, and Reddit.