What question did this study set out to answer?

This research investigates how excessive use of social media relates to feelings of loneliness in college students.

February 19, 2026Journal of American College Health0 citations

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

MHMadelyn J. Hill KKKeith A. King RVRebecca Vidourek

Key Points

This research investigates how excessive use of social media relates to feelings of loneliness in college students.
Secondary analysis of data from the 2022-2023 National College Health Assessment
Sample comprised of 64,988 undergraduate college students aged 18-24
Performed adjusted logistic regression analyses
13% of students reported using social media for 16 hours or more per week
Students with excessive social media use had higher odds of reporting loneliness compared to those with no social media use
Results indicate a clear association between excessive social media use and increased loneliness.

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.

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