Study finds excess use of social media is socially isolating

Social media is intended to bring individuals together by allowing them to share photos, chat about common experiences, exchange ideas and develop communities of shared interest.

But researchers at the University of Pittsburgh concluded that tapping away at a computer or smartphone leads to greater isolation and is detrimental to building social bonds.

"Contrary to our hypothesis, young adults with high (social media use) seem to be more, and not less, socially isolated," the researchers said in a study published in July in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

The researchers surveyed a representative sample of 1,787 adults aged 19 to 32 years. They assessed both the frequency of use and time spent on 11 social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, Vine, Snapchat and Reddit.

Participants then were asked to complete the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, which surveys how socially connected or isolated the respondent feels.

The researchers classified 42 percent of respondents as "low social isolation", 31 percent as "medium social isolation" and 27 percent as "high social isolation".

"We found robust linear associations between increased social media use and increased social isolation," the researchers said. Translation: The more time an individual devoted to social media, the more likely that person was to be socially isolated.

People who spend two hours a day or more on social media reported greater instances of depression, jealousy, low self-esteem and feelings of inferiority. This may stem from the perception that others have developed a large circle of friends and are engaged in interesting activities while the respondent feels cut off from much social interaction and therefore feels isolated.

Social science is sometimes derided as the art of stating the obvious with copious footnotes. Could this study be yet another instance, despite its voluminous bibliography, of stating what we already know?

For starters, is it possible that socially isolated individuals are drawn to social media because it requires nothing but a computer, an internet connection — and no face-to-face interaction? Are the researchers describing a chicken-or-the-egg conundrum: Which came first, an individual's social isolation or heavy use of social media?

The researchers note that face-to-face interaction is needed to build and preserve lasting friendships. Isn't meeting other people the point of interest groups, in or out of school?

Aren't personal relationships the key to small-business transactions? Customers can depend on a major bank's reputation for quickly and accurately handing transactions, but if you're buying a house, don't you need to get to know the real estate agent, and don't you want to check out the neighborhood?

"Because many socially isolated individuals use social media, this may be a good medium for intervention," the researchers said. "While this study raises potential concerns, there also may be useful ways of leveraging social media to identify socially isolated individuals and helping them connect to more valuable in-person networks.

"Understanding the relationship between (social media use) and social isolation will help that these interventions are appropriately designed and provide the support necessary."

Contact the writer at scottreeves@chinadailyusa.com