Connected But Lonely: Exploring the Relationship between Social Media Use and Emotional Isolation in Generation Z

Abstract

Growing social media has a significant impact on the communication, interactions and social relationship-building processes of Generation Z. There has been an increasing concern about emotional disconnect and psychological wellbeing of youth in an era of increased digital connectivity. This research investigates the effects of social media usage on FoMo, loneliness/disconnect and passive use among Gen-Z, specifically on how overuse of social media can lead to increased emotional loneliness, social disconnect, and FoMo for Gen-Z. The study is guided by theories of Digital Communication, Social Comparison and Psychological Dependency to see if social networks have caused an increase in psychological loneliness, fears of missing out and hence decreased face-to-face interactions and emotional wellbeing. The data collection was done using correlational and survey research designs to explore the pattern and relationship between social media consumption and emotional isolation of the generation Z. Additionally, mediating factors such as gender, number of platforms used and type of interaction on the online platforms were also examined. The results provide significant insights into the paradox of digitally connected and emotionally disconnected young adults. The correlation analysis revealed a moderate to weak positive relationship between social media use, FoMo, Lonliness and Passive social media use variables. Mediation analysis indicated that social media use has both direct and indirect effects on emotional isolation. The results indicate that FoMO partially but positively and significantly mediates the relationship between duration of social-media usage and social isolation/loneliness, whereas social media use has a direct significant positive effect on social isolation/loneliness. The study provided the valuable inputs to the growing academic debates regarding role of digital life and youth mental health, as well as behaviors, particularly when it concerns social media dependence among young people from Generation Z. The study will help educators, policymakers, mental health providers, and families to create strategies and interventions to foster more positive digital interactions and experiences that help youth lessen emotional isolation.