Exploration of excessive social media use with loneliness among U.S. College students

Abstract

Objective: This study explored the association between excessive social media use (ESMU; i.e., ≥2 h per day) and loneliness among U.S. college students. Participants: There were 64,988 U.S. undergraduate college students ages 18–24 years in this study. Methods: A secondary analysis of the 2022–2023 American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment data was performed. Adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: About 13% of students reported using social media platforms for ≥16 h per week. Adjusted model results found that college students with ESMU had increased odds of reporting loneliness compared to students with 0 h per week of social media. Conclusion: College students with ESMU are at increased odds of experiencing loneliness. Programs and interventions targeting ESMU may contribute to improved loneliness among students.