Social media has revolutionized the way people connect, breaking down geographical barriers and enabling instant communication. It has allowed individuals to share thoughts, photos, and ideas in real time, facilitating a sense of global connectivity. Nevertheless, social media’s effect on individual well-being, particularly about loneliness, is complex. It is more intricate than it seems at first glance.
In the JRC (Joint Research Centre) policy brief on Loneliness and Social Media Use in the European Union, a striking connection between passive social media consumption and loneliness is revealed. The study is based on data from the 2022 EU-wide Loneliness Survey (EU-LS). It indicates that social media use may be amplifying feelings of isolation for many young Europeans. This is especially true for those aged 16-30. Social media use seems to amplify these feelings rather than alleviate them.
SHIFT FROM IN-PERSON TO ONLINE COMMUNICATION
The rise of social media coincides with a sharp decline in face-to-face interactions, particularly among younger generations. As online time increases, in-person communication has diminished, leading to concerns about its impact on emotional well-being. The JRC’s findings suggest that loneliness is affected not merely by the amount of time spent on social media. Instead, it is influenced by the type of engagement.
PASSIVE SCROLLING VS. ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT: THE KEY DISTINCTION
The JRC study revealed that 34.5% of young Europeans spend more than two hours daily on social networking sites, while 26.1% use instant messaging tools for the same duration. Despite the high usage rates, passive consumption involves scrolling through feeds without actively engaging or interacting. This behavior was most strongly correlated with increased loneliness. This finding points to a critical distinction. Active engagement like messaging friends or commenting on posts, does not show a significant link to loneliness.
For young people, passive scrolling on social platforms correlates with feelings of isolation. Still, active interactions like meaningful conversations or collaborations—do not appear to have the same negative effect. This suggests that quality of engagement is just as important as the quantity of time spent online.
SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION AND ITS EFFECTS ON WELLBEING
The study also found that over one-third of young respondents showed signs of social media addiction. They often neglect responsibilities like school, work, or family due to excessive social media use. This addiction-like behavior exacerbates feelings of loneliness and disconnection. The data reveals that intensive use of social media platforms—especially when passive—contributes significantly to increased loneliness. In contrast, active communication on platforms like instant messaging or direct engagement, does not have the same outcome.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS AND THE WAY FORWARD
The JRC’s findings underscore the importance of understanding how young people use social media. It’s not just about how much they use it. These insights come at a time when European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced plans to launch an EU-wide inquiry into the broader impacts of social media on young people’s well-being. The policy brief calls for an urgent focus on addressing passive consumption patterns. It also aims to encourage healthier, more active engagement with digital platforms.
In the coming years, the JRC, in collaboration with the Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, will continue its exploration into the impact of social media habits on adolescents’ mental health, well-being, and academic performance.
The findings suggest a need for targeted interventions to reduce passive socialmedia use. There is a need to promote positive engagement. Additionally, it is crucial to address the loneliness epidemic among young people. A more balanced approach to socialmedia consumption helps young Europeans. They can better navigate the challenges of the digital age. This also affects their mental health.
