Overview
- The Journal of American College Health study analyzed 64,988 students aged 18–24 from more than 120 U.S. universities.
- Fifty-four percent of respondents reported feeling lonely, indicating widespread isolation among college-age youth.
- Reported loneliness rose with time online: 16–20 hours per week was associated with a 19% higher likelihood, and 30+ hours with a 38% higher likelihood versus lighter users.
- Female and Black students reported higher loneliness, while living on campus, hybrid study formats, and participation in fraternities or clubs were associated with lower levels.
- Authors caution the findings are correlational and recommend campus programs that foster face-to-face interaction and encourage voluntary limits on social-media use.