The double-sided coin of loneliness and social media – young adults’ experiences and perceptions

• Published in: International journal of adolescence and youth Vol. 29; no. 1
• Main Authors: Käcko, Emelie, Hemberg, Jessica, Nyman-Kurkiala, Pia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 31-12-2024
• Subjects: Loneliness; social media; young adults
• ISSN: 0267-3843; 2164-4527
• DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2024.2306889

ABSTRACTIntroduction Youth is associated with various emotions and experiences that can negatively affect young adults’ health and well-being, loneliness being one of them. Experiences of loneliness can have a negative impact on young adults’ psychological well-being and quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate young adults’ experiences and perceptions of loneliness and its association with social media.Methods Guided by a semi-structured interview guide, data material was collected in the form of essays with nine young adults aged 19-27. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data.Results Three main categories and eight subthemes emerged. The main categories were: Negative experiences of involuntary loneliness, Positive experiences of voluntary loneliness, and Social media is a double-sided coin vis-à-vis loneliness.Discussion Impacted by various complex individual aspects, loneliness for young adults can be both positive and negative, and social media’s association with loneliness can be considered double-sided.