A new study from the University of Arkansas highlights the positive impacts of quality social network friendships on self-esteem and loneliness, providing potential solutions for combating the rising epidemic of loneliness in the U.S.
Loneliness has become an increasingly prevalent issue in the United States, affecting one-third of Americans who report experiencing “serious loneliness” in recent years. Notably, a lack of social interaction has been associated with a higher risk of depression, self-harm and even suicide, contributing to a record 50,000 suicides in 2023.
As modern life becomes more digitized, interpersonal connections give way to virtual interactions, particularly among young adults. Americans aged 18-29 now spend over five hours daily on social networking, amplifying concerns about the negative psychological impacts of excessive social media use. However, a new study led by Brandon Bouchillon, an associate professor of journalism at the University of Arkansas, offers an optimistic perspective.
Published in the journal Telematics and Informatics, Bouchillon’s study investigates the potential for social networking sites to alleviate loneliness through meaningful digital friendships. The research reveals that motivated use of these platforms to foster genuine connections can significantly enhance self-esteem and reduce feelings of isolation.
“I’m finding that changes to personal networks — feeling closeness and camaraderie with other users social networking — can lead to increased feelings of self-worth, and this relates to lower levels of perceived social isolation, even over time,” Bouchillon said in a news release.
The study differentiates between trait self-esteem, a stable, enduring form of self-esteem, and state self-esteem, a more temporary boost influenced by events like receiving a social media “like.”
By surveying 1,500 participants representative of the U.S. Census demographics and following up with over half of them six weeks later, Bouchillon sought to measure the impact of networked friendship quality.
The participants responded to statements, such as, “I am a person of worth” on a scale from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree,” and reported their feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
The study found that younger participants (ages 18-39) who sensed camaraderie through social networking experienced significant boosts in self-esteem that lasted for weeks, which subsequently reduced their loneliness.
“So despite the fact that how you feel about yourself is mostly stable through life,” Bouchillon added, “connecting with people and sensing camaraderie even remotely can lead to feeling better about yourself, and less lonely, which in theory relates to lower chances of self-harm and suicide.”
Interestingly, the study discovered a divergence in older age groups; individuals over 70 exhibited reduced self-esteem as their online friendships grew, perhaps indicating that they view digital connections more as substitutes rather than supplements to real-life interactions.
This research is particularly timely given the Surgeon General’s recent concerns over rising suicide rates and loneliness in America. Bouchillon emphasizes the importance of developing educational initiatives to teach younger and older generations alike how to use social networking sites effectively to build meaningful, non-political connections.
His forthcoming study in Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies suggests that joining hobby or interest groups could foster these initial connections, transcending potential divisive factors.
Connecting over shared interests — be it sports, hiking, gardening or birdwatching — can create a solid foundation for expanding one’s personal network and fostering real-world engagements, thus building a diverse and supportive social community.