Social Networks Increase Loneliness

If on one side social networks allow more contact with people, the other negative side is increasing the probability of loneliness and social isolation.

This is not only a psychological issue, but this situation exacerbates various diseases in the organism, according to research conducted at between 18 and 30 years of age by the University of Pittsburgh Centre for Technology and Health Research and published in the American Health Promotive magazine.

The study included 178 students from West Virginia University and for any increase 10% of negative experiences in social media, participants reported a 13% increase in feelings of loneliness. This change, however, was not found for the opposite, for its vetoative experiences, where any 10% growth, had no effect.

“The perception of social isolation, which is synonymous with loneliness, is associated with poor health consequences, such as hypertension, heart disease and depression”, lead researcher Brian Primarck said, adding that it is essential to understand better how we can help people to navigate social networks without many negative consequences.