The Internet and Loneliness

Abstract

The internet and related media play key roles in education, work, and leisure. It could be argued that people have better interpersonal interactions because of social media, which could reduce loneliness. But documented internet use patterns suggest that the internet increases loneliness. Studies conducted prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate an association between what's called "internet addiction" and loneliness, although findings vary with participant demographics and frequency and types of internet use. There is a need to conduct longitudinal research to determine the direction of causality and whether what we define as "balanced" internet behavior positively affects well-being.