Social Media Use and Loneliness in US College Students

A large survey of U.S. college students described higher self-reported loneliness among those reporting greater weekly social media use.

The analysis drew on responses from 64,988 U.S. college students aged 18–24 years across more than 120 colleges. Loneliness was assessed using self-report items asking how often respondents felt left out, felt isolated, or lacked companionship.

54% of surveyed students were classified as lonely, and roughly 13% reported at least 16 hours per week of social media use. Students reporting 16–20 hours per week were 19% more likely to report loneliness, while 21–25 hours and 26–30 hours were linked with 23% and 34% higher likelihoods, respectively. Those reporting at least 30 hours per week were 38% more likely to report being lonely.

The report also notes subgroup patterns, including higher loneliness among female students and among Black students, and lower loneliness among fraternity or sorority members and among students with on-campus accommodation.

Key Takeaways:

• The report describes an association in U.S. college students between higher weekly social media use and greater self-reported loneliness.
• Differences in reported loneliness were noted across subgroups, with higher loneliness reported in some demographic groups and lower loneliness reported in some campus-living and social-affiliation groups.