Recent studies reveal a complex relationship between social media use and feelings of loneliness and social anxiety. The findings suggest that socially anxious and lonely individuals often engage in passive social media use, which exacerbates their feelings of isolation. This behavior—characterized by scrolling without interacting—fuels unhealthy comparisons to others' curated lives. Conversely, engaging more actively on social media and fostering in-person connections can alleviate these negative feelings. Thus, mindful use of social media is crucial in promoting better mental health outcomes.
If you've ever felt a pang of loneliness while scrolling through your Instagram feed or noticed a sense of envy creeping in while browsing friends' vacation photos, you're not alone.
The studies emphasized how social media is used as a critical indicator of loneliness and social anxiety.
Passive use-scrolling through feeds without interaction, less posting-was strongly tied to increased loneliness.
Users are choosing not to interact with their online counterparts, which leaves the impression that they are excluded.
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